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LOT 2071
Framed Marble Bust of a Crying Baby
EARLY 20TH CENTURY A.D.
21 1/2 x 19 1/4 in. (5.5 kg, 54.5 x 49 cm).
With brass plate 'La Vie en Perspective: L'épingle qui pique' (Life in Perspective: the pin which pricks); finely modelled infant's face with open mouth and protruding tongue; lace borders to the hooded garment and ribbon tied beneath the throat; wooden frame with gilt and velvet field. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired on the UK art market.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Tudor 'Published' Bronze Chain Belt with Decorated Hook and Ring
16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Long chain of ellipsoid link with central ring and two stringers, hooked end for adjustment; thick ring to the other end with short chain extension. 139 grams total, 1.16 m
From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968. -
Silvered Statuette Pair
19th century A.D.Estimate: £800 - 1,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £400
Comprising: Bacchus sitting precariously atop a tree stump, wearing a loincloth and with a wreath of vine leaves on his brow, clutching a bunch of grapes to his chest; Silenus sitting atop a textured tree-stump holding a skin garment around his body; each mounted on a square-section column with flared foot, one damaged. 713 grams total, 16.3-16.8 cm including stand
Private collection, England. -
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Carved Marble Memento Mori Skull
17th-18th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £16,900
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. 20.6 kg, 44.5 cm
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.
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.
