Mourning Pendant for the Potts Family, 1797
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
1797
Subject Date
1779-1797
Creators
Unknown
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
61.151.37
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Gold (Metal)
Glass (Material)
Human hair
Technique
Hairwork
Dimensions
Height: 2.25 in
Width: 1.625 in
Inscriptions
obverse, engraved: W.R. Potts. Ob. 28. August. 1779. Aged. 19. Months. Eliza. Potts. Ob. 19 Novr. 1789. Aged 32 verso, engraved: Benjamin. Potts. Ob. 2. February. 1797. Aged. 3. Years. 11 Months. 18. Days.
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