Allegory Of Life And Death, Buffalo Bone, 20th Century

A sculpted bone relief depicting a dense allegorical composition on the themes of life, death, and (re)birth.
The scene is structured by two heads, male and female, facing each other, framing a group of winged putti, skulls, bones, and symbolic figures. In the center, winged children present a fetus nestled in a spherical form, evoking gestation and birth, and symbols of memento mori present throughout the composition. Winged skulls, trunks, and anatomical elements evoke a learned iconography deeply rooted in the Germanic tradition of vanitas.
The attribution to Germany is based on several converging factors: the persistence of a tradition of bone carving in Germanic countries, the marked influence of Central European Baroque in the treatment of the figures and the rich symbolism, as well as a technical virtuosity characteristic of workshops or artists working in the spirit of the cabinet of curiosities.
The sculpture is distinguished by its exceptional finesse of execution, its very deep relief, and its meticulous rendering of textures. The piece rests on a black wooden base, accentuating the contrast and expressive power of the work.

Excellent condition.

Dimensions with base: 27 x 15 cm