Mourning Pendant for Samuel Ralston, 1795
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
1795
Subject Date
10 January 1795
Keywords
United States, Pennsylvania, East Allen Township
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
61.151.6
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Gold (Metal)
Ivory (Tooth component)
Human hair
Sepia (Ink)
Enamel (Fused coating)
Technique
Grisaille
Hairwork
Color
Sepia (Color)
Multicolored
Dimensions
Height: 2.25 in
Width: 1.688 in
Inscriptions
front: Welcome to Bliss Saml. Ralston OB. 10 Jany 1795 Ae. 24 How Transient is Human Happyness [sic]
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