Philippe Jacquin-Ravot

Manufacto

Miniaturist

©Tristan da Cunha

Painting huge detail on a tiny scale

Philippe is a miniaturist
He mostly works for the very secretive watchmaking industry
He has been practicing miniature painting for more than 30 years

Philippe Jacquin-Ravot graduated from l’École Supérieure des Beaux-arts in Lyon, and then had an artist residency in Paris for a year. He spent many years working for an ocularist painting irises for artificial eyes. But it was his love and interest in trees, that set him on the course of miniaturist paintings. He created a series of 36 watercolours of trees with incredible detail but no hyperrealism. More recently he has used his specialisation in painting the faces of watches. “I turned to miniaturist art because I wanted to apply my know-how. It so happens that watchmaking of excellence requires this same type of incredibly detailed work at a very high quality.” He now works on a great range of miniaturist projects from his small atelier named Manufacto, located in a former bakery in Lyon.

Interview

©Tristan da Cunha

©Tristan da Cunha

How did you start painting in miniature?: I think I have been interested in miniatures since I was a child; I started by observing insects and collecting miniature objects and then by cutting small objects out of gum. But I really started working as a miniaturist by making an artistic work entitled ‘36 examples of tree structures’.
What materials and techniques do you use?: Depending on the project, I use techniques from the graphic arts: watercolour painting, acrylic or oil depending on the medium such as mother-of-pearl, glass or any metal surface – such as precious metals – as well as high fire enamel.
What traits should a miniature painter have?: I think that patience is a must, as you have to spend hours on the binoculars, you also need to be meticulous and a perfectionist. Beyond that, curiosity is a useful character trait because by being curious one learns constantly and your mind is open to everything.
Is miniature painting a lost trade?: Unfortunately, many crafts are in danger because they are still not truly valued and craftspeople are not recognised enough, although this is beginning to change.

Philippe Jacquin-Ravot is a rising star: he began his career in 2018