Museum Collections
Luce Center
Brooches in box (2)
Object Number:
INV.971a-d
Date:
(b) ca. 1864; (a) 1800-1850
Medium:
Gold, hair, cardboard, cotton, glass
Dimensions:
brooch a): 1 1/2 x 1 1/4 in.; brooch b): 1 1/2 x 5/8 in.; box (c): 3 1/2 x 2 x 7/8 in.
Marks:
handwritten: in pencil, on lid of box: "Belonged / to H. F. R.'s / granddaughter / Mary Francis / of Boston"
engraved: reverse of pin, one name per setting: "Father / Charles / Isa / David / Mary / Joseph / Kate"
Description:
2 gold mourning/memorial brooches in box; brooch a) comprises central oval plaque with crystal compartment containing braided hair, surrounded by 6 smaller ovals similarly constructed; smaller ovals connected by stylized "C" motif; inscriptions on reverse of each compartment; pin attachment; brooch b) comprises oval glass-covered gold compartment containing hair of 2 persons; inscription on reverse; pin attachment; c) is box of 2 pieces of white cardboard with green rim; pink cotton interior; notes attached.
Gallery Label:
These mourning brooches belonged to Harriet Moore Francis (Mrs. John Rogers, 1841-1927), wife of the famous sculptor.
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.