Sculpture, Mémento Mori -Sator - 6 cm - Deer forest - 1900

07
days
12
hours
39
minutes
41
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Current bid
€ 30
Reserve price not met
Clément Floch
Expert
Selected by Clément Floch

Has 20 years of experience trading curios, including 15 years with a leading French dealer.

Estimate  € 850 - € 1,000
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Description from the seller

Carved skull with Memento Mori theme, engraved with the SATOR square – 18th / 19th century

Object of a curiosity cabinet / Christian apotropaic talisman

Small skull carved from animal bone, of the Memento Mori vanity type, finely engraved on the calotte with the famous Latin magic square SATOR – AREPO – TENET – OPERA – ROTAS.
Ancient work, probably European, dating from the late 18th or early 19th century.

The SATOR square, one of the most widely circulated Christian cryptograms from the medieval to the modern era, was used as a protective formula against evil, illness, fires, curses, or during exorcisms.
Its use combined with a skull representation reinforces the symbolic dimension: a reminder of the vanity of life ('memento mori') and spiritual protection.

The skull is mounted on a blackened wooden base (19th century), making it a true object of a cabinet of curiosities, halfway between religious art, learned superstition, and anatomical collection.


State:

Overall good condition, small signs of wear and natural micro-fissures related to the material. Even patina. Some internal brown marks in the orbits, typical of old bone. Base with signs of use, varnish missing in some areas. No visible restoration.

Memento Mori literally means 'Remember that you will die.' It is an artistic theme that reminds us of human mortality, often depicted through works or objects intended to provoke reflection on the fleeting nature of life.

Photos are an integral part of the description of the objects and complement their presentation. They allow you to assess their condition and characteristics. Please examine them carefully before any commitment.

The item will be carefully packaged and shipped with a tracking number to ensure fast and secure delivery.

Happy bidding

Seller's Story

The Sanctuary of Curiosities was born from a deep passion for sacred art, devotional objects, and ancient curiosities, witnesses to a rich spiritual and cultural history. Each item offered is the result of meticulous research, carefully sourced across Europe, respecting its authenticity, rarity, and condition. We are committed to selecting only meaningful objects, with special attention paid to details, materials, and provenance. Our approach is guided by respect for religious heritage and the desire to pass on these fragments of the sacred to passionate collectors, enlightened amateurs, or places of reflection. Each item is carefully examined, documented, and packaged with the utmost care to ensure a calm, professional, and respectful shopping experience.
Translated by Google Translate

Carved skull with Memento Mori theme, engraved with the SATOR square – 18th / 19th century

Object of a curiosity cabinet / Christian apotropaic talisman

Small skull carved from animal bone, of the Memento Mori vanity type, finely engraved on the calotte with the famous Latin magic square SATOR – AREPO – TENET – OPERA – ROTAS.
Ancient work, probably European, dating from the late 18th or early 19th century.

The SATOR square, one of the most widely circulated Christian cryptograms from the medieval to the modern era, was used as a protective formula against evil, illness, fires, curses, or during exorcisms.
Its use combined with a skull representation reinforces the symbolic dimension: a reminder of the vanity of life ('memento mori') and spiritual protection.

The skull is mounted on a blackened wooden base (19th century), making it a true object of a cabinet of curiosities, halfway between religious art, learned superstition, and anatomical collection.


State:

Overall good condition, small signs of wear and natural micro-fissures related to the material. Even patina. Some internal brown marks in the orbits, typical of old bone. Base with signs of use, varnish missing in some areas. No visible restoration.

Memento Mori literally means 'Remember that you will die.' It is an artistic theme that reminds us of human mortality, often depicted through works or objects intended to provoke reflection on the fleeting nature of life.

Photos are an integral part of the description of the objects and complement their presentation. They allow you to assess their condition and characteristics. Please examine them carefully before any commitment.

The item will be carefully packaged and shipped with a tracking number to ensure fast and secure delivery.

Happy bidding

Seller's Story

The Sanctuary of Curiosities was born from a deep passion for sacred art, devotional objects, and ancient curiosities, witnesses to a rich spiritual and cultural history. Each item offered is the result of meticulous research, carefully sourced across Europe, respecting its authenticity, rarity, and condition. We are committed to selecting only meaningful objects, with special attention paid to details, materials, and provenance. Our approach is guided by respect for religious heritage and the desire to pass on these fragments of the sacred to passionate collectors, enlightened amateurs, or places of reflection. Each item is carefully examined, documented, and packaged with the utmost care to ensure a calm, professional, and respectful shopping experience.
Translated by Google Translate

Details

Era
1400-1900
Over 200 years old
Yes
Country of Origin
France
Material
Deer forest
Title of artwork
Mémento Mori -Sator
Signature
Not signed
Year
1900
Condition
Excellent condition
Height
6 cm
Width
4 cm
Depth
4 cm
Weight
0 g
BelgiumVerified
1309
Objects sold
97.65%
pro

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