MOSNIER Jean-Laurent (1743-1808). Portrait of Queen Marie-Antoinette (1755-1793). Small oval pendant medallion, signed lower right by the artist Mosnier and dated 1776, containing under a curved glass on one side a miniature painted on ivory depicting the young sovereign wearing a white dress and displaying feathers and pearls in her hair. On the reverse are locks of intertwined hair belonging to the queen. This precious reliquary medallion is preserved in its original inviolate setting. This makes it of great historical value. Slight age wear, but good overall condition. Height: 3.5 cm - Length: 2.8 cm. History: The first "hair" jewellery dates back to the 14th century. As the only part of the body that doesn't rot, it is akin to a real relic. Hair jewellery symbolises a profound mark of affection on the part of both the wearer and the giver. Marie-Antoinette is one of the most important figures in our history who gave a few privileged people in her entourage a piece of jewellery embellished with a lock of her hair. In 2008, Christie's sold a ring containing the intertwined hair of the Queen and King Louis XVI, arranged in an eternity knot and given to Louise-Elisabeth de Croÿ d'Havré (1749-1832), the last governess of the royal children. Cutting a lock of hair was tantamount to giving of oneself, which explains and justifies the preciousness of such a gift at the time. It is therefore certain that this precious and rare historical souvenir was given by the sovereign to a close member of her entourage.