Neoclassical Mourning Brooch

Description:

Neoclassical Mourning Brooch, probably America, late 18th/early 19th century, two ladies depicted in sepia tones on a white enamel ground mourning at an obelisk composed of applied enamel plaques, seed pearls, and gold wirework on a grassy mound formed of clipped hair, within a bright-cut oval frame, 14kt rose gold mount, verso inscribed "George Bushell Died 7 May 1795 Aged 64," original fitted red leather, oval hinged box, (one seed pearl detached),dia. 1 3/4 in.

Exhibited: "Not Lost but Gone Before to Bliss: Expressions of Mourning in America," Telfair Museum, Savannah, Georgia, August 19 to October 26, 1997.
Estimate $1,500-2,000

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