This c.1780/90 Georgian sepia miniature depicts a painting on ivory of a woman wearing a beautifully detailed veil and dressed in mourning outfit of the time, the idealized depiction of woman. She is pointing towards the heavens, a sign of faith and hope of the heavenly passage, and leaning on an anchor, a symbol of hope. Next to her is a flame-topped urn atop a plinth that reads "Tho' lost to sight to memory dear"; the urn, a timeless vessel that holds a loved one's ashes, the flame alluding to the "eternal flame", a symbol of perpetual mourning and that the departed loved one's memory will never die. A weeping willow tree (symbols of grief, sorrow and mourning) and an evergreen (symbol of life and immortality) flank the urn.
This large Georgian locket is set with glass covers on both sides. On the reverse, a lock of the deceased's hair is enclosed over an opalescent background and surrounded by stalks of wheat (a popular motif during this time, symbolizing a life cut short and the resurrection of the soul). The central locket is surrounded by blue glass. A beautiful and classic piece of from this era, highly detailed and rich with symbolism.
The pendant is set in 14k yellow gold (tested, not marked, as typical of the time) with 2 convex glass pieces on each side. It measures approximately 61.8mm tall (not including hanging portion) by 52.3mm across and weighs 37.2g. Wear commensurate with age and use. You will receive the pictured locket.
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