Unusual Victorian Hair Mourning Buttons tiny hedgehog and reiterated with garland-like trim

and reiterated with garland-like trim on the back and cuffs of her jacket

The Beau and the Bedlamite

It is the inclusion of Saint Michael (the Archangel) though that puts this painting over the top for me

There are a few small patches of loss

Unusual Victorian Hair Mourning Buttons tiny hedgehog and reiterated with garland-like trimI've never seen the likes of these, which I believe are Victorian mourning buttons, made with blonde hair encased in finely wrapped and knotted blue cord and thread, silk I believe. One presumes these were made to be sewn to a garment perhaps like toggles on a shawl or coat but I'm not entirely sure. Whatever the case, quite unusual as far as I know, and feeling like literal capsules of another time (and specific person!), which could easily be strung