Memento Mori

Memento Mori

A remarkable example of 17th-century Italian craftsmanship, this carved wooden sculpture captures the haunting allure and philosophical depth of the Memento Mori tradition. Exquisitely fashioned during the Baroque period, it exemplifies a time when such evocative motifs invited contemplation on mortality and the transience of life.

Origin: Italy
Date: Circa 1650
Material: Carved wood with original paint surface

Dimensions: Height: 17.5 cm (7 ins); Width: 14.5 cm (5.7 ins); Depth: 20 cm (8 ins)

Condition: Excellent patina with original paint preserved; minimal age-related wear

The Memento Mori motif was prevalent across Continental Europe during the 17th century, serving both devotional and decorative purposes. Objects such as this held pride of place in noble households and ecclesiastical collections, reflecting the influence of vanitas themes found in works by artists like Caravaggio and carved examples in the collections of the Victoria & Albert Museum. Its style and execution recall the emotive realism prized in Italian Baroque sculpture, imbued here with a uniquely personal scale suitable for intimate reflection.

Notable Features:

• Outstanding craftsmanship is evident in the nuanced carving, with lifelike anatomical detail meticulously rendered, and traces of the original polychrome surface masterfully preserved.
• The design embodies classic Baroque characteristics—dynamic modelling and heightened naturalism—while the sombre subject matter nods to the period’s fascination with symbolic objects.
• Collecting value is especially high for early wooden sculptures of this calibre; the survival of original paint enhances both rarity and desirability for connoisseurs and new collectors alike.
• Practical value is considerable: compact and evocative, this sculpture is ready to take pride of place in any refined display, adding gravitas to a study, library, or specialist collection focused on early Continental works.

This Italian Memento Mori sculpture stands as a striking work of art and an enduring reminder of the Baroque era’s philosophical concerns. With its impressive provenance, period authenticity, and exceptional condition, it represents an unmissable opportunity for those seeking distinguished wooden sculpture and fine 17th-century Italian artifacts for their collection.