1195 - Small polychrome memento mori head, Europe, 19th century

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 content, conceived within the traditional iconography of memento mori, here resolved by a head divided vertically between the naturalistic representation of a bearded male face and the stark vision of the skull. The piece underscores with singular effectiveness the opposition between life and death, beauty and corruption, becoming an image for moral meditation on the fleeting nature of existence. It stands out for the expressiveness of its modeling, 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 force place it within the taste for objects of contemplation, devotion, and cabinetry so highly valued in 19th-century Europe. Mounted on a base. Lot in international warehouse (within the EU). Intra-EU shipping: no import duties apply within the EU. An export permit from the country of origin may be required. Due to its age and history of use, this lot may show signs of wear and previous interventions. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, no specialized technical testing has been performed. The absence of any mention of restorations does not guarantee that none exist. You may request additional information before placing a bid. This does not affect the buyer's statutory rights.