An Exceptional Large Carved Marble Momento Mori Skull

Epoque: 1600-1700

Medium: Marble

Dimension: 16 x 16.5 x 20 cm (6¹/₄ x 6¹/₂ x 7⁷/₈ inches)

Provenance: Ex Private European collection
Ex Private UK collection

Literature: The depiction of the skull in art and sculpture has been the most widespread personification of death for over 600 years. ‘Memento mori’ acted as objects to provoke meditation on the transience of life and as a reminder of the humility of death. Whatever one’s status and wealth in life everyone must come in the end to the same condition.