Memento Mori Vanity

19th century

Carved deer antler, later mounted on a wooden base

Dimensions:
Height: 12 cm
Base diameter: 9 cm

A striking memento mori sculpture depicting a human skull, finely carved from deer antler, displaying beautiful natural tonal variations ranging from ivory to warm brown.

The composition subtly contrasts two aspects of the face, evoking the duality of life and death in keeping with traditional vanitas symbolism. The carving is delicate and precise, particularly in the modeling of the skull and the organic textures, while the material itself enhances the visual depth through its natural shading.

The turned wooden base, likely added at a later date, gives the piece a refined presentation and allows for easy display.

Condition:
Very good overall condition.

Gallery’s view:
A refined and evocative curiosity object, combining strong symbolic meaning with decorative appeal. This piece will integrate beautifully into a cabinet of curiosities, a display case, or on a desk, adding an intellectual and timeless presence.