Mourning Brooch, 1790-1810
Add to SetSummary
Before the 20th century, death came early and often. One way people coped was to wear jewelry as memorials to their loved ones. Over the centuries, mourning jewelry followed the prevailing fashions. Shortly after independence, Americans favored illuminated, miniature brooches and pendants painted on ivory. These featured shapes derived from classical design, symbols such as urns and weeping women dressed as ancient Romans.
Before the 20th century, death came early and often. One way people coped was to wear jewelry as memorials to their loved ones. Over the centuries, mourning jewelry followed the prevailing fashions. Shortly after independence, Americans favored illuminated, miniature brooches and pendants painted on ivory. These featured shapes derived from classical design, symbols such as urns and weeping women dressed as ancient Romans.
Artifact
Brooch
Date Made
1790-1810
Keywords
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
61.151.26
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Gold (Metal)
Ivory (Tooth component)
Glass (Material)
Human hair
Sepia (Ink)
Watercolor (Paint)
Enamel (Fused coating)
Pearl (Animal material)
Dimensions
Height: 1.688 in
Width: 1.063 in
Inscriptions
obverse: I Cannot Learn to Forget PW
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