Saturday, October 29, 2011

Regency Eye Portraits



The macabre and the fashionable were often blended in the 19th century. During the Georgian and Regency period "Eye Portraits" were all the rage. The tiny, hand painted eye was placed inside a ring or brooch and worn about by a lover. Also called "mourning jewelry" they were often the eye of a deceased loved one, though during Regency times it was popular to wear the eye of the person you were having an affair with. 


What do you think? Frightening or fashionable? 


www.JenniferAnnCoffeen.com



3 comments:

Na said...

I learned something new. Well, it's one way to know who has died or who's having an affair with who. To me though it's a bit on the eerie side.

JeanMP said...

Learn something new everyday, had never heard of this, it is rather creepy.

Jennifer Ann Coffeen said...

I agree! Very creepy. Apparently even the Prince Regent wore one with the eye of his latest mistress.