Antique miniature portraits of the Tormey-Holder Collection

 

 


English: Artist Unknown

 

 

Georgian Era mourning miniature depicting a young lady standing at the gravesite of a friend or loved one with the Initials of 'M. B.'


Georgian Era, Sepia-Toned Mourning Miniature
Depicting a Young Lady Standing at the Gravesite
of a Friend or Loved One with the Initials of 'M. B.'

dated 1773
Artist unknown

3/4 x 1 3/8 inches (sight)

watercolor (and possibly chopped hair) on ivory; housed in a navette-shaped gold brooch


This fine example of late eighteenth century mourning art is rich in symbolism. Depicted is a young lady, wearing a hat and cloak and holding a book (likely a book of prayer), standing at the gravesite of a friend or loved one. Engraved on a pedestal are the decedent's initials ('M. B.') and date of death (28 July 1773). Atop the pedestal sits an urn (a popular symbol of mourning, dating back to Greek times). The urn is draped (typically denoting the death of an older person; and an eternal flame emanates from the top of the urn (the flame being a symbol of undying love or affection). In the background appear both weeping willows (symbolic of tears and sadness) and cypress trees (symbolic of hope, pointing toward heaven).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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