Quantity selected exceeds current stock
“Hair is at once the most delicate and lasting of our materials and survives us like love. It is so light, so gentle, so escaping from the idea of death, that, with a lock of hair belonging to a child or friend, we may almost look to to Heaven and compare notes with angelic nature, may almost say: ‘I have a piece of thee here, not unworthy of thy being now.’" – Godley’s Lady’s Book, 1860
This exquisite piece of French hair art is a work of art on many levels. It beautifully showcases the incredible talent, artistry and skill of the person who created it and it also succinctly captures a clear moment of mourning and grief.
French hair art was wildly popularity in the mid-19th century. Made of finely chopped hair perfectly layered and glued onto a paper or sometimes ivory background, many of these intricate mourning pieces featured images of weeping willows, tombs and forget-me-nots.
This particular hair piece not only features cut hair glued against the background but hair has also been ground up and added into the watercolor to add a natural texture. This hair painting features a weeping willow hanging gracefully over a tombstone. The tomb is inscribed with "Au Souvenir De Ma Leoney" (In Memory Of My Leoney). A wreath hangs over the urn atop the tombstone symbolizing victory over death and eternal life. A single obelisk can be seen in the background of the image perhaps symbolizing the rays of light from heaven shining down amongst the departed.
The scene is framed in a small wooden frame, protected behind glass. This piece is backed with paper.
Additional Details
Date: Early 1800s
Materials: Glass, hair, wood
Measurements: 3 1/2" x 2 3/4"
Markings: None
Condition: Good.
The frame has an old repair where it looks as though it may have broke apart. There is some minor damage to the interior where there are white specks sprinkled throughout on the left side.
