75/4775 [Hair art]. (Mourning memento for Henri Bèke). Preserved hair in the shape of a tree, flowers, a church and an oval ornamental border in the centre mounted on board, 1888, 23x20 cm. (total size), w. "Souvenir d'Henri Bèke décédé le 17 Fevrier 1888 agé de 66 ans" in pen and black ink, in oval wooden frame.

- Possibly lacking a sm. central photogr. portrait.

= These hair art pieces were popular in France in the early 19th century when photography was costly. This item would have been a keepsake intended to exist throughout a lifetime, to commemorate a loved one. SEE ILLUSTRATION PLATE XXXVII.