Mourning Miniature, Sepia angel and child on Brooch, Georgian, Pearl Surround

Jewelry : Antique : Memorial : Mourning : Sepia Miniature Of Child Being Taken To Heaven By Angel

 

I love the motif on this one--the angel is carrying the child to heaven, and the initials, "MB" are written at the bottom. This is a sepia painting on Ivory, circa 1790. It is in a brooch setting, with a bale, and all pins, clasps, etc appear original. The piece is gold, but I haven't tested it to determine the weight. It is navette shaped, and large, measuring 2 inches North to South, and 1 inch and 1/4 East to West. It has a lovely natural pearl surround, As most of you know, the pearls symbolized tears. The painting is in excellent condition, with no paint loss. The back of this piece is quite different. I've never seen once quite like this before, and I really don't know what it is. It appears to be covered metal. Also, I've never seen one done with this sort of prong before. It is possible that the pearl surround was added a little later; the only reason I say that is that I've never seen a piece like this secured with prongs before, but anyone, like I, who has ever had a piece fall out of the setting and break, would agree that the prongs are a good idea. Again, I wish this lovely piece could talk. It surely does tell us, silently, of the pain and suffering of this little one's family, and their hope for a reunion, someday, with their beloved.

Item ID: 4339