Made as souvenirs of devotion, sometimes a mourning item, but also a token of familial love and devotion. This particular hair art work is one celebrating 3 generations of women, and has the addition of a c.1865-70 Carte de visite photo mounted to show the women. "Souvenir de Famlie" (keepsake of family, literally), it is decorated with the hair art in a simple and charming manner. The wood frame is of the era, and completely original to it. Sealed backing, I didn't break the seal or ope so photos are through the flat old glass (slight ripple, a bubble here or there), and will show glare of the photographer's lights.
Very good condition for age and type. Often hair art of this era was small, elegantly worked on a panel of opaline glass, white. This is more folk art and I feel certain it was worked by the family and not by a professional hair art business, many of which thrived in France at this time. It is worked on paper. Very charming. Country French! And large. Measurements noted on the photos: frame is 12 5/8" x 10 1/2" and is 3/4" thickest, a nice milled wood frame.
