Description
Rare Antique “Georgian” blue Lover’s eye miniature brooch. This brooch features: a vibrant left blue eye with cascading side curls. Hand painted in watercolors on ivory surrounded by pearls. Inscribed on reverse in script: “Presented by a Friend in remembrance of a beloved brother”. Lovers Eye miniatures became popular through the Georgian period. Eye portrait jewelry is a mystery known only to the wearer. The Prince of Wales fell in love with a widower Catholic woman by the name of Maria Fitzherbert. After courting Maria Fitzherbert unsuccessfully he continued to pursue her. It was said that after the Prince of Wales attempted suicide Maria Fitzherbert agreed to marry him. After thinking about her decision to marry him she realized that it would be almost impossible for it to happen. Maria was not only widowed once but twice, and a Catholic. The king would not consent to the heir to the throne to marry Maria being a widowed Catholic and also being much older than George. Maria left Europe no one could figure out the real reason why. The Prince wrote to Maria proposing marriage a second time with his letter he included a picture of his eye set in a ring some say locket? Maria returned to England and they eventually married in a secret ceremony in 1785, the Prince becoming King George IV. After the Prince of Wales gift to Maria Fitzherbert “Eye” Jewelry became very popular.
Measures Approximately:
Height 9/16”
Width ¾”
Condition
Excellent
PRICE INQUIRY:
