John Keats - Envelope with a Lock of John Keats's Hair, 1821

John Keats (London, 1795 - 1821, Rome)

Envelope with a Lock of John Keats's Hair, 1821

Ink on paper, human hair, 8.7 x 11.2 cm (3 7/16 x 4 7/16 in.)

Commentary

This envelope containing a lock of Keats’s hair commemorates the passing of the great poet. Many nineteenth century Americans and Europeans saved locks of hair from the recently deceased to honor their memory. Gardner also acquired the hair of contemporary celebrities and displayed these mementos in archival cases throughout her museum.