1805

Portrait of a Young Woman

American, 1749 - 1831

Hairwork (items made of or incorporating human hair) and portrait miniatures (which sometimes include hair on the back of their frames) express highly personal associations. While the portrait served as a remembrance of an absent loved one, the lock of hair was a tangible and intimate part of that person. As such, hair is most frequently found on commemorative works for major life events such as births, betrothals, or deaths.