3-000-038 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Memorial for George Chambers, 1810-1830. Mourning miniatures were very popular in the Romantic period and this design is typical for the late 18th and early 19th century. A classically dressed woman lays a wreath on an urn atop a tomb. The inscription on the tomb reads, "In memory of Geo. Chambers." In the background is a willow tree, associated with both mourning and new life. Almost monochrome, there are touches of pink on the woman's face and hands. On the back of the miniature is a panel of woven hair, and the monogram in pressed gold "EC," suggesting that this miniature may have been reworked to commemorate another family member as well as George.