Large Georgian Iron Key Pair

Comprising various designs in differently coloured glazes, including animals, still life, figural scenes, floral and vegetal motifs, sailing vessels and architectural subject matter. 4.2 kg total, 10.5 x 12.8 - 13.5 x 13.5 cm



Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.

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.

Depicting a dynamic figural scene comprising a mounted horse-rider together with a second rider mounted on a mythical creature with two heads, the body and hindlegs of a horse and head and forelegs of a lion or other creature, two standing figures bin the foreground; egg-and-dart style frame with acanthus leaves to each corner. 4.2 kg, 54.6 x 38.6 cm



Private collection, England.