Live Auction 14139Out of the Ordinary
GEORGE WASHINGTON (1732-1799)A GOLD AND ENAMEL MOURNING RING FOR GEORGE WASHINGTON
Lot 566 Property from the Collection of David Gainsborough Roberts

GEORGE WASHINGTON (1732-1799)A GOLD AND ENAMEL MOURNING RING FOR GEORGE WASHINGTON

CIRCA1800

Closed14 September 2016

Price Realised

GBP 6,250

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GEORGE WASHINGTON (1732-1799)
A GOLD AND ENAMEL MOURNING RING FOR GEORGE WASHINGTON
CIRCA1800
The oval glazed bezel enclosing an engraved portrait of George Washington in profile facing right, within black and black and white champlevé enamel inscription 'GEO: WASHINGTON OB: 14 DECR 1799, AE 68, ring size O
1 in. (2.5 cm.) high

Specialist note

The tiny profile portrait of Washington was produced by Charles Balthazar Julien Fevret de Saint- Mémin (1770-1852) and was specifically made for Washington mourning rings. The engraving was based on a sketch by Saint-Mémin in late 1798 and it is thought to be the last portrait of Washington drawn from life. In order to produce the miniature portrait the artist used an instrument known as a physiognotrace.