A Condolence Card c. 1830

This condolence card, made by Emily Wilcox, is a poignant example of mourning art used to express grief and sympathy, particularly common in the 18th and 19th centuries. During this time, death was a frequent presence in daily life, and elaborate rituals developed around it. Wilcox employs the technique of paper cutting, a delicate and intricate process that mirrors the fragility of life itself. The design features a stylized willow tree, a symbol of mourning, along with a tomb or monument. Above, a heart and floral motif suggests love and remembrance. The stark contrast of black on white evokes a sense of loss and solemnity. This card reflects not only personal grief but also societal norms around death and bereavement. It reminds us of the emotional landscape of the past and invites reflection on our own ways of dealing with loss.