Details

LOT 0408

Carved Marble Memento Mori Skull

17TH-18TH CENTURY A.D.

17 1/2 in. (20.6 kg, 44.5 cm).

Carved skull on a short neck with musculature and blood vessels; mandible in place with some teeth in sockets, wisps of hair adhering to the dome of the skull; one zygomatic bone partly absent; square-section socle base.

Provenance

Acquired on the European art market.
Private collection, England.

This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12302-215651.

Footnotes

This exquisitely carved marble memento mori skull is a remarkable example of the artistry and symbolic depth characteristic of the memento mori tradition. Such pieces were often created as reminders of the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death, serving as a catalyst for reflection on one's own mortality. Crafted from marble, a material prized for its durability and beauty, this skull stands as a testament to the skilled craftsmanship of its creator. The intricate detailing captures the sombre realism of the human skull, evoking both awe and contemplation. Historically, memento mori artefacts were favoured by philosophers, scholars, and collectors who valued their profound existential message, making this piece not only a work of art but also a poignant philosophical statement.