Sconosciuto - Anonimo - Sculpture, Coppia di medaglioni in altorilievo con scene religiose e allegoriche - Schiuma di mare scolpita- - 18.5 cm - Meerschaum

Title:
Pair of High-Relief Medallions with Religious and Allegorical Scenes – Hand-Carved Meerschaum (Sepiolite) – Second Half of the 19th Century

Description:
Rare pair of antique sculpted tondos dating from the second half of the 19th century (Napoleon III period), entirely hand-carved in high relief out of meerschaum (sepiolite) and finished with a rich amber and brown patina creating a warm chiaroscuro effect. Being entirely handcrafted by 19th-century master carvers, each medallion is a one-of-a-kind piece, distinguished by extraordinary sculptural depth and museum-grade intricacy of execution.

Iconography and Composition:
The two reliefs form a refined moral and devotional pendant, typical of 19th-century bourgeois and aristocratic residences:
• First Medallion ("Let the little children come to me"): Depicts Christ seated beneath a majestic tree canopy in the act of welcoming and blessing a group of children, surrounded by onlookers. The modelling of the drapery, the facial expressions, and the interplay of perspective planes attest to a sculptural hand of exceptional skill.
• Second Medallion (Allegory of Charity): Represents a young female figure surrounded by children in an affectionate pose, framed by classical architectural elements and foliage. The anatomical rendering and softness of the volumes lend the scene a strong sense of movement and harmony.

Mounting and Authenticity:
Both sculptures are housed in their original period frames in turned solid wood, deeply hollowed with a dark ebonised finish, complete with their antique metal hanging rings. On the reverse, the original 19th-century protective backing paper is still preserved, one of which bears valuable period handwritten annotations in iron gall ink—further testament to the historicity and intact authenticity of the pieces.

Dimensions:
• Larger medallion: diameter 18.5 cm × depth 3.7 cm
• Smaller medallion: diameter 17.0 cm × depth 2.7 cm

Condition Report:
Good overall state of preservation, entirely consistent with the age and delicacy of the material. The larger medallion exhibits some fine surface hairlines in the sepiolite on the relief (clearly documented in the close-up photographs) and natural shrinkage cracks along the joints of the wooden frame. Both works show light, charming wear to the historical patina with minor localized nibbles, without any structural losses. Free from invasive modern restorations, preserved in their original integrity.

A rare opportunity for collectors of meerschaum sculpture, 19th-century sacred art, and Wunderkammer objects.

Professional packaging, executed using protective materials suited to the delicate nature of the item.