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Georgian mourning pendant,  "this is all I have left"

Reference #: 9068

Status: for sale

Dimensions:  approx. 2 and 1/3 inches in diameter; precisely, 6 cm in diameter

Condition: excellent; some scratches on the glass crystals, some pink spots or "discoloration" on the side with the initials

Year:  1790-1810

Price: $1975

Description:  Superbly executed Georgian mourning pendant set in an 18kt. rose gold frame.  This poignant mourning miniature is comprised of multi-colored hair work on ivory.  The ivory on both sides has a slight pink cast.  On the front Love leans against a tomb and mourns his (or her) beloved.   In this miniature, Love is symbolized by the figure on the right holding a flameless torch...the flame of love extinguished.   Above the tomb, a willow tree "weeps".  Perhaps, most touching is the grief sentiment that is written in French on the tomb, "this is all that I have left".  (Literally, "this is all that remains with me".)

The back of the mourning miniature has entwined hair work initials on ivory.   There are two sets of initials entwined together; the initials of the lost loved one and the initials of the one left behind.  Note that the vine surrounding the initials is "broken" at the bottom...another symbol of loss.  

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