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639 - Small polychrome memento mori head, Europe, 19th century Car…
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Estimate €1,900 - €3,000
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Description
Small polychrome memento mori head, Europe, 19th century Carved and polychromed wood. Dimensions: 23 x 11 x 11 cm. A small sculpture of intense symbolic significance, conceived within the traditional iconography of memento mori, here depicted as a head divided vertically between the naturalistic representation of a bearded male face and the stark vision of the skull. The piece highlights with remarkable effectiveness the contrast between life and death, beauty and decay, serving as an image for moral reflection on the fleeting nature of existence. It stands out for the expressiveness of its modelling, the elongated beard—which reinforces its verticality—and the polychromy, which accentuates the contrast between the two halves of the composition. Its small size and conceptual power place it within the tradition of objects of contemplation, devotion and cabinet pieces so highly prized in 19th-century Europe. Mounted on a plinth. Lot held in an international warehouse (within the EU). Intra-EU shipping: no import duties apply within the EU. An export licence from the country of origin may be required.
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About the sale GRAND JULY AUCTION | OLD MASTERS, HAUTE ÉPOQUE & FINE JEWELLERY
Auction location
Auction time 07/28/2026 at 4:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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