Edward Cary Johnston

The cloud background and stylized dress used in the portrait of Edward Cary Johnston indicate he is deceased. A sad note has survived with the miniature: “The hair of my first born beloved Child who lost his life by accident when playing at the breakfast table of my dear Aunt Lady Jane Cary. Edward Cary Johnston was two years and eight months old Obid [sic] Feby 20th 1789.” To express their grief and eternal love for Edward, his parents had his hair woven into an intricate belt that surrounds an additional lock of the child’s hair bound with a “bow” of pearls.