This came from a small collection of hair locks and wreaths I just purchased, all dating to the 1860s and all stitched to or tucked into bits of paper annotated with names and notes. I considered listing them as a collection, but realized much of what I find beautiful about these is their specificity and singularity in form and content (color, composition, etc.) and so am more inclined to treat them as individual drawings (and portraits) of sorts, and to hold them up individually to be considered that way. And so, what a lovely little drawing! And one with a whole lot of layers of information and history embedded in it. (I could write a book here but won't.) With names written in graphite inside or alongside each lock; what I especially love here is that we have the hair of both "George" and "Little George"--and on reverse a few letters that look very much like the work of a young child, perhaps Little George himself.

4" x 3 1/2" and in very good antique condition, with all hair samples securely attached with black thread stitches.