Rediscovery of a Hamnet-Era Mourning Jewel: A Link to 17th-Century Grief

A mourning jewel from the Hamnet era has been rediscovered after four centuries, linked to the poignant family portrait, *Sir Thomas Aston at the Deathbed of His Wife*, painted in 1635 by John Souch. This heart-shaped pendant, depicted in the painting, commemorates the loss of Sir Thomas Aston's son, Robert, who died at the age of six. The painting, housed in the Manchester Art Gallery, portrays Aston's wife, Magdalen, who died in childbirth, alongside their surviving child, Thomas, who points to the inscription: “Grief is immeasurable.” The pendant, made from Robert's hair, features a death's head skull and Latin inscriptions that reflect the family's profound sorrow.

The Guardian

The pendant's rediscovery offers new insights into the symbolism of Souch's painting, which has been a subject of scholarly interest due to its rich metaphors. Martyn Downer, a historian and specialist in historical objects, emphasized the emotional weight of the jewel, stating, “At its heart is a man mourning the loss of his first son.” The pendant, valued at £650,000, is notable for its rarity, as 17th-century jewelry is scarce. Downer noted that memento mori jewelry, like this pendant, is deeply personal and not merely a display of wealth.

The Guardian

Sir Thomas Aston was a multifaceted figure—courtier, theologian, soldier, and poet—who faced personal tragedy and political turmoil. He was knighted by King Charles I and fought for the royalist cause during the English Civil War. Aston ultimately met a tragic end at the age of 44, dying from wounds sustained while attempting to escape capture by parliamentarian forces. His life, marked by loss and conflict, is encapsulated in both the painting and the rediscovered pendant.

The Guardian

Fiona Corridan from the Manchester Art Gallery expressed excitement over the pendant's existence, highlighting its historical significance and the emotional narrative it carries. She noted, “This intricate, beautiful piece … is steeped in history, carrying a unique story of grief, love and memory across centuries.” Downer plans to unveil the pendant to the public at the Treasure House Fair at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, scheduled for June 24 to 30.

The Guardian

While the rediscovery has been met with enthusiasm, some scholars argue that the focus on the pendant may overshadow the broader themes of grief and loss depicted in Souch's painting. They caution against reducing the artwork's significance to a singular object, advocating for a more comprehensive understanding of the historical context and emotional depth present in the piece.

The Guardian

• “He told the Guardian: “It’s in wonderful condition, [having] spent most of the last 400 years unrecognised.” — Martyn Downer, Historian and Specialist Dealer

The Guardian

• “We’re all familiar now with the story of Hamnet. This is a few years later and it’s very touching … although it’s quite a small object, it packs a lot of emotion into it.” — Martyn Downer, Historian and Specialist Dealer

The Guardian

• “This intricate, beautiful piece … is steeped in history, carrying a unique story of grief, love and memory across centuries. It would be wonderful to find out more and perhaps re-unite the pendant with the painting.” — Fiona Corridan, Manchester Art Gallery

The Guardian

The rediscovery of the mourning jewel not only enhances the understanding of a significant artwork but also serves as a poignant reminder of the personal tragedies faced by families in the 17th century.

The Guardian