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






Has 20 years of experience trading curios, including 15 years with a leading French dealer.
| Bidder 8910 | €30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Bidder 8910 | €25 | |
| Bidder 8910 | €20 | |
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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
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
