Silver sterling and onyx lock pendent with inside a lover’s eye miniature, United States second half of 19th century.

United States second half of 19th century.

Sterling and onyx lock pendent. Oval-shaped plain surface locket crafted in sterling and black onyx with a wide and simple hanging loop on the top. Centered on the front is a small, applied silver heart with a engraved border.The heart is hand-engraved with the “Mizpah” blessing (Genesis 31:49):”The Lord watch between me & thee when we are absent one from another.” This inscription marks the piece as a gift intended to serve as a bridge between two people separated by distance. Upon opening the locket, the left side reveals a watercolor miniature on paper
depicting the eye of a female figure. This type of miniature, called lover’s eye (eye of a loved one), became very popular in the Georgian period and took on a romantic meaning for separated couples, clandestine and forbidden lovers.
Representing only the looks, the only ones, in theory, who knew the identity of the lover were the owner and the person depicted. The lover’s gaze on oneself was a pledge of mutual love that challenged public morality, without causing scandal.
United States, second half of the 19th century.

2,25’’ -5,5 CM H 1,25’’ – 3,5CM L 0,3’’ – 8 MM D

REF: M6258