On April 5th, 1896, Kjersti Anderson passed away at the age of 72 years, 10 days old. As was the custom in those days before readily available photography, a beautifully framed, personalized mourning memorial lithograph was created in her honor featuring an array of illustrated mourning symbols, ie: the dove representing peace, an hourglass signifying fleeting time, and funerary floral arrangements. At a whopping 28" x 16.5", these magnificent prints were often embellished with hand-painted details and personalized inscriptions. Mourning art of this type was a popular way to commemorate the "Gone But Not Forgotten" dead during an era of lower life expectancy, and I couldn't be more pleased with the stunning example I was able to acquire earlier this afternoon for my personal collection. Those interested in the unusual name of "Kjersti" can find out more about the origin and meaning by CLICKING HERE as well.
2 comments:
Lord that's gorgeous. I love the doubling effect between the lithograph's ornate silver border and the carved wooden frame. It would be gaudy as hell if it weren't for all that deep black negative space. As it is, the design works as a huge rectangular wreath. Love it.
Yeah, this is a beauty. Well laid out, too, even the two borders have a light/dark motif going. The large vertical space with the elements cascading down, what a nice piece.
Vampira agrees!
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