Mourning Picture - Framed - 1837 - Eli Whisler

Collectibles : Vintage

 

This is one of my personal items. I have had it for many years and did have it framed in an old frame several years ago. It is on acid free paper and the glass filters out the ultra violet rays. There are many symbols of death in this picture - the weeping willow tree, the weeping woman, the urn atop the gravestone, the beautiful roses with the sharp thorns. The text states that this is in memory of Eli J. Whisler who was born in 1828 and died in 1837 (although the 3 in the last number looks more like an S). It further states that he was 9 years old. There is a poem beneath the personal information: "Nay mother for me do not weep, how soon will you thus sleep; From sickness, pain and death I am free, So prepare for eternity and follow me." You can see that there are some stains on the picture. Please study them carefully as you are buying this as it is. The frame is about 21 3/4" x 17 1/2". It is an old gold leaf frame with a few nicks but generally in good condition. This mourning picture is 171 years old and a piece of history. Please email if you would like more photos. It is difficult to photograph through glass but I will do my best.

Item ID: 308-08