Sebastian Köpcke (*1967), Volker Weinhold (*1962) | Photographers
Hair is viewed as a sensually charged material. In around 1800, during the Romantic period, and in a more pronounced form in the Biedermeier era, images and decorative objects came into fashion, especially among the bourgeoisie, which were designed from human hair. In autograph books, in drawings or as ornamental chain, ring or armband, hair was a material with which friendship and family affiliations, but also love, loyalty and mourning were expressed and conveyed.
This medal also reminds of a particular person. It was most likely worn close to the body, could be fastened securely to clothing with a ribbon or a chain and was thus not so easy to lose. Especially practical in this case was the fact that one could look at it without opening the medallion. This allowed the hair to survive undamaged, but led to contamination over time, likely due to tiny textile particles that infiltrated into the housing.
One also liked to carry around small portraits of people close to them, whether as a silhouette or as a paper cut. These were later replaced by photographs of the people one felt close to. Today it is, for example, the screen saver of the smartphone, worn close to the body, that repeatedly reminds us of an important person.
Producer unknown
MATERIAL & TECHNIQUE
hair, braided, glass, brass
DIMENSIONS
H 2.9 (incl. mounting) x W 1.8 x D 0.65 cm; diam. 1.8 cm
MUSEUM
Museum für Sächsische Volkskunst
PLACE, DATING
Germany, 1840-1860
INVENTORY NUMBER
F 2487