Memento Mori | Carved Wood Skull on Book 18th C | 5.5”
An evocative carved wooden Memento Mori depicting a human skull resting upon crossed bones and a closed book, a composition deeply rooted in the European tradition of vanitas and religious contemplation. The skull is carefully modelled, with deeply recessed eye sockets, a pronounced nasal opening, individually defined teeth and a rounded cranium. The composition embodies the traditional Latin admonition Memento mori — “Remember that you must die” — a central theme in Christian devotional art and European Baroque visual culture. Compact yet visually compelling, the sculpture would make a distinctive addition to a collection of religious antiquities, vanitas objects or historic European sculpture.
General: The Memento Mori’s overall dimensions are 5.5 inches (14 cm) wide, 4.3 inches (11 cm) high and 4.7 inches (12 cm) deep.
Condition: This Memento Mori is in good condition with no damage besides age-related wear. Please see the enclosed images.
