Mourning Brooch for Susanna Mason, 1785
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
1785
Subject Date
November 1785
Creators
Unknown
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
61.151.35
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Gold (Metal)
Ivory (Tooth component)
Glass (Material)
Enamel (Fused coating)
Human hair
Sepia (Ink)
Technique
Grisaille
Hairwork
Color
Blue
White (Color)
Sepia (Color)
Dimensions
Height: 1.313 in
Width: .75 in
Inscriptions
obverse: Sacred Will I Keep Thy Dear Remains verso, engraved: Susanna Mason Ob. Nov. 1785 AE 50
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