19th-century Bone Head Of An Old Man

This sculpture is a miniature male head carved from dense bone, depicting the classical features of a Greek philosopher or a Roman emperor (inspired by ancient iconography such as that of Plato or Hippocrates) as well as the old man of memento mori or vanitas motifs.
Material: This is a sculpture of animal origin. The fine detail in the strands of hair, the wrinkles on the forehead, and the structure of the beard evokes the meticulous carving of deer bone.
Style and Period: The work follows in the tradition of European miniatures from the 16th to the 19th century (Dieppe, Germany, or Italy), which reinterpreted ancient busts. It displays a natural amber patina and slight desiccation cracks (particularly on the top of the skull), typical of the aging of organic material.
Presentation: The head is mounted on a small, more recent pedestal made of turned wood (probably walnut or mahogany), serving as a collector’s display stand (cabinet of curiosities).
This is a 19th-century piece (Grand Tour style)
Very good condition
Total height 11.5 cm. Head only 6.5 cm