Mourning Pendant for William Oliphant, 1790
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
Pendant (Jewelry)
Date Made
1790
Subject Date
10 April 1790
Place of Creation
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
61.151.12
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Gold (Metal)
Ivory (Tooth component)
Glass (Material)
Human hair
Sepia (Ink)
Technique
Grisaille
Hairwork
Color
Sepia (Color)
Dimensions
Height: 1.5 in
Width: .875 in
Inscriptions
obverse: Wellcome [sic] to Bliss In Memory of an Affectionate Parent verso: William Oliphant OB. 10. April 1790 Aged 66
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