The Weeping Willow

Mourning miniatures became popular expressions of private grief during the late eighteenth century. In this example an urn stands on a plinth beneath a weeping willow symbolising sorrow and mourning. A house (perhaps once the home of the deceased) next to a church are depicted in the background.

The painting is created from chopped hair with sepia watercolour on an ivory base and is in fine condition with just a little dust under the glass around the edge. It is housed in a gold frame which is dinged and scratched on the reverse. The piece also lacks a hanging ring or other attachment.