The Court Painter of Two Empires Edward Miles (1752–1828) stands as a singular figure in the annals of English miniature painting, achieving renown not merely for his technical skill but also for his privileged position within the artistic circles of Georgian and Napoleonic Europe. Born in Yarmouth, Lincolnshire, he embarked on a career that spanned across continents, culminating in prestigious residencies at Buckingham Palace and St Petersburg—a testament to both his talent and his remarkable diplomatic connections. His journey from a humble beginning as an errand-boy for a local surgeon to…