Memento Mori | Carved Wood Skull on Book 18th C | 6.7”
A captivating and philosophical Memento Mori art object, masterfully carved with a realistic, weathered bone-like craquelure finish. The sculpture presents a dramatic stack of three human skulls arranged in a pyramid formation atop an antique-style book with distressed text block edges. Standing at 17 cm in height and 15 cm in width, this striking piece embodies the timeless vanitas theme of mortality and intellect, serving as an exceptional conversation piece for an advanced collection of historical curiosities. 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 6.7 inches (17 cm) high and 5.9 inches (15 cm) wide.
Condition: This Memento Mori is in good condition with no damage besides age-related wear. Please see the enclosed images.
