Composite artwork based on the portrait of Lady Henrietta Stanley (Fig 128: c.1630 – 1631), aged approximately one year, depicted wearing a pearl choker and coral teething branch suspended from a ribbon – traditional symbols of purity, status, and protection in 17th-century infancy.

The figure is reinterpreted through the addition of late 20th century children’s jewellery, including:

– A gold-coloured plastic torque necklace (Fig 460)

– A gem-set plastic pendant (Fig 463)

– Pink and orange plastic heart earrings (Fig 470)

These elements are derived from mass-produced ‘My Dream Princess’ jewellery sets by David Halsall Toys (UK), representing a shift in children’s adornment from amuletic and protective function toward play, fantasy, and commercial identity construction.

References:

This object is referenced here as part of a broader visual and textual study of children’s jewellery in historical art.

Featuring Fig 128: c.1630 – 1631

Portrait ‘Lady Henrietta Stanley’ depicting a baby girl wearing a pearl choker, and a coral teething stem, set in gold, hung on a white ribbon around her neck

Anglo-French

Private Collection

Published in:

Kevill-Davies: Yesterday’s Children: The Antiques and History of Childcare: 1991 / 1998: p56 colour plate 3

Plastic Jewellery:

By David Halsall Toys, UK (2000)

Artwork:

By Dr Sarah McAleer (2000).