Images(3)

Mourning Brooch

Date1811

OriginScotland

Mediumsilver; gold; black enamel; glass; hair

DimensionsL: 13/16"; W: 11/16"

Credit LineBequest of Miss Martha B. D. Spotswood

Object number1981-136

DescriptionMourning brooch, rectangular in shape; black enamel and gold; scalloped edges; leaf and scroll design in enamel, woven hair under central rectangular glass. Engraved on back in feathered script "M.R.D. / Obt. / 19. Jany 1811." Engraving was done prior to clasp being attatched.
Label TextThe rectangular brooch has woven hair beneath the glass and bears an inscription memorializing M. R. D., probably Mary Ruffin Gilliam Dunlop, in whose family it descended. Brooches such as this were typically centered on collars, similar to the portrait of Mrs. Pearce.
InscribedEngraved on back in feathered script "M.R.D. / Obt. / 19. Jany 1811."
ProvenanceTradition of belonging John Dunlop, hair of Mary Ruffin Gilliam Dunlop, wife of John Dunlop. (Family history)
Ex Coll: Martha B. D. Spotswood, Petersburg, VA

Exhibition(s)