Early 18thC Continental Antique Carved Wooden Memento Mori
An 18th-century Continental antique carved wooden sculpture of a Memento Mori.
"Memento Mori" reminds us of the fragility of life and is literally translated as "Remember, you must die."
Possibly Italian in origin and retaining its original polychrome throughout, which has now gone chalky in appearance, the sculpture may have been the base to a larger ecclesiastical piece, which is long since lost.
Depicted with a skull and crossbones set upon a carved wooden cushion painted blue-green. The wallplate and base are painted in red oxide.
Condition - surface wear commensurate with age. A rebate has been made at the top of the cushion / behind the skull, which indicates that this piece may have formed a larger piece/base to a larger piece. Please refer to the images. A further detailed condition report is available upon request.
Size: Length 41 cm (16") approx
An 18th-century Continental antique carved wooden sculpture of a Memento Mori.
"Memento Mori" reminds us of the fragility of life and is literally translated as "Remember, you must die."
Possibly Italian in origin and retaining its original polychrome throughout, which has now gone chalky in appearance, the sculpture may have been the base to a larger ecclesiastical piece, which is long since lost.
Depicted with a skull and crossbones set upon a carved wooden cushion painted blue-green. The wallplate and base are painted in red oxide.
Condition - surface wear commensurate with age. A rebate has been made at the top of the cushion / behind the skull, which indicates that this piece may have formed a larger piece/base to a larger piece. Please refer to the images. A further detailed condition report is available upon request.
Size: Length 41 cm (16") approx
Description
An 18th-century Continental antique carved wooden sculpture of a Memento Mori.
"Memento Mori" reminds us of the fragility of life and is literally translated as "Remember, you must die."
Possibly Italian in origin and retaining its original polychrome throughout, which has now gone chalky in appearance, the sculpture may have been the base to a larger ecclesiastical piece, which is long since lost.
Depicted with a skull and crossbones set upon a carved wooden cushion painted blue-green. The wallplate and base are painted in red oxide.
Condition - surface wear commensurate with age. A rebate has been made at the top of the cushion / behind the skull, which indicates that this piece may have formed a larger piece/base to a larger piece. Please refer to the images. A further detailed condition report is available upon request.
Size: Length 41 cm (16") approx
