Mosaic - Memento Mori in marmi policromi e madreperla – Vanitas con teschio - Probably 17th century
06
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Current bid
€ 1,300
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Selected by Dési van Rhee
Over 20 years' experience in antiques with a background in art history.
Estimate € 3,500 - € 4,500
 | €1,300 | |
|---|---|---|
| €1,200 |
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A circular Italian Baroque Memento Mori medallion depicting a skull, made from polychrome marble and mother-of-pearl and probably dating from the 17th century.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Title
Memento Mori in polychrome marbles and mother-of-pearl – Vanitas with skull – Italian milieu, 17th century
Description for Catawiki
refined circular medallion in polychrome marbles and mother-of-pearl, depicting an intense Memento Mori with skull and bones, according to the symbolic tradition of Baroque Vanitas.
The composition is realized through the juxtaposition of different lapidary materials, chosen for color, grain, and contrast. Black Belgian, Antique Red, Antique Yellow, Bardiglio, and mother-of-pearl are present, used to construct the various anatomical parts and to confer depth and vivacity to the scene.
The skull occupies the center of the composition and is surrounded by skeletal elements arranged in a theatrical manner. The dark background enhances its presence, while the warm tones of Antique Red and Antique Yellow create a typically Baroque contrast. The mother-of-pearl introduces a luminous and precious note.
The subject belongs to the Memento Mori tradition, widely spread in 17th-century Europe: the skull is not merely a macabre image, but a warning about the fragility of life, the passage of time, and the vanity of earthly goods.
The technique aligns with the Italian tradition of stone inlay and pietre dure marquetry, in which different materials are shaped and assembled to achieve a figurative representation.
Attribution period: 17th century, Italian milieu
Subject: Memento Mori / Vanitas
Materials: Black Belgian, Antique Red, Antique Yellow, Bardiglio, mother-of-pearl
Technique: commesso / pietre dure inlay
Form: circular
Diameter: about 28 cm
Thickness: about 1 cm
The work shows normal signs of age, abrasions and small irregularities visible in photographs. Given the historical nature of the object, restorations or ancient fillings cannot be ruled out.
An object of remarkable decorative and symbolic strength, particularly suitable for a Wunderkammer, a collection of ancient marbles, hard stones, Vanitas or Baroque decorative arts.
Title
Memento Mori in polychrome marbles and mother-of-pearl – Vanitas with skull – Italian milieu, 17th century
Description for Catawiki
refined circular medallion in polychrome marbles and mother-of-pearl, depicting an intense Memento Mori with skull and bones, according to the symbolic tradition of Baroque Vanitas.
The composition is realized through the juxtaposition of different lapidary materials, chosen for color, grain, and contrast. Black Belgian, Antique Red, Antique Yellow, Bardiglio, and mother-of-pearl are present, used to construct the various anatomical parts and to confer depth and vivacity to the scene.
The skull occupies the center of the composition and is surrounded by skeletal elements arranged in a theatrical manner. The dark background enhances its presence, while the warm tones of Antique Red and Antique Yellow create a typically Baroque contrast. The mother-of-pearl introduces a luminous and precious note.
The subject belongs to the Memento Mori tradition, widely spread in 17th-century Europe: the skull is not merely a macabre image, but a warning about the fragility of life, the passage of time, and the vanity of earthly goods.
The technique aligns with the Italian tradition of stone inlay and pietre dure marquetry, in which different materials are shaped and assembled to achieve a figurative representation.
Attribution period: 17th century, Italian milieu
Subject: Memento Mori / Vanitas
Materials: Black Belgian, Antique Red, Antique Yellow, Bardiglio, mother-of-pearl
Technique: commesso / pietre dure inlay
Form: circular
Diameter: about 28 cm
Thickness: about 1 cm
The work shows normal signs of age, abrasions and small irregularities visible in photographs. Given the historical nature of the object, restorations or ancient fillings cannot be ruled out.
An object of remarkable decorative and symbolic strength, particularly suitable for a Wunderkammer, a collection of ancient marbles, hard stones, Vanitas or Baroque decorative arts.
Details
Era
1400-1900
Manufacturer/brand
Memento Mori in marmi policromi e madreperla – Vanitas con teschio
Weight
2 kg
Marble type
Sicilian Red
Over 200 years old
Yes
Material
Marble
Country of origin
Italy
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
28 cm
Width
28 cm
Depth
1 cm
Estimated period
Probably 17th century
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