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Antique 16th Century Austrian Gothic Marble Memento Mori Skull with Iron Cross
$12,700
£9,662.84
€11,133.56
CA$18,030.02
A$19,342.99
CHF 10,375.18
MX$232,887.01
NOK 130,791.36
SEK 119,263.59
DKK 83,182.56
About the Item
An exceptional and rare Gothic-Renaissance memento mori, sculpted in marble and surmounted by an original iron cross, originating from Austria, 16th century.
Carved from solid marble, the skull is rendered in life-size proportions (height 17 cm), its surface bearing a beautiful natural patina that speaks to centuries of age. The texture and form reveal the austere yet spiritual character of early modern devotional art- objects created to remind the faithful of the transience of earthly life and the inevitability of death.
The skull is presented on a 19th-century wooden pedestal, adorned with period lace of the same era, both sympathetically chosen to complement the historic nature of the piece. The iron cross, cleaned to reveal its historic integrity after centuries of oxidation, rises from the crown of the skull- symbolising the triumph of faith over mortality.
Weighing approximately 15 pounds, this piece possesses remarkable physical gravitas and visual impact. Likely originating from a monastery or private chapel, it would have served as a meditation object for reflection on mortality and salvation- a central tenet of Christian humanist thought during the Renaissance.
Such memento mori sculptures in marble from this period are exceedingly rare, with most surviving examples executed in wood or plaster. This work offers an extraordinary opportunity for discerning collectors of Renaissance art, ecclesiastical artifacts, and vanitas symbolism.
Provenance: Austria, 16th century
Materials: Marble (skull), iron (cross), 19th-century wood and lace (base)
Dimensions: Skull height 17 cm (overall 49 cm with cross and the pedestal)
Weight: Approx. 15 lbs
Condition: Excellent period patina on marble and iron; minor wear consistent with age. The cross has been professionally cleaned; the base and lace date from the 19th century.
A museum-worthy devotional relic- a true collector’s piece of profound historical and aesthetic significance.
- Dimensions:Height: 19.3 in (49 cm)Width: 5.91 in (15 cm)Depth: 5.91 in (15 cm)
- Style:Gothic (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Ca 1550
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Doha, QA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU7451247059882
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