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Antique Painted Memento Mori Skull, Dated 1769 Birth Year of Napoleon I
$8,750
£6,624.58
€7,672.05
CA$12,383.25
A$13,874.24
CHF 7,215.21
MX$168,096.88
NOK 91,924.98
SEK 85,815.16
DKK 57,270.21
About the Item
A truly extraordinary and evocative object: an 18th century hand-carved wooden skull, richly hand-painted and inscribed with the date 1769. This rare Memento Mori was created as a meditation on life’s transience, embodying both the gravity of mortality and the promise of spiritual salvation.
The skull is adorned with a bold red and blue flowers on its crown, a symbol of fleeting earthly beauty and eternal rebirth. On the reverse appear the sacred letters IHS (Iota, Eta, Sigma)- a revered Christogram derived from the Greek name of Jesus, long used in Catholic devotional art as a sign of divine protection.
The inscription of 1769 adds exceptional historical resonance: the very year of Napoleon Bonaparte’s birth, a pivotal figure whose legacy would alter the course of European history. This gives the piece not only devotional significance, but also an intriguing connection to one of the most momentous years of the 18th century.
Memento Mori skulls were treasured in chapels, monastic cells, and cabinets of curiosity, serving as both devotional objects and powerful reminders to “remember you must die.” Far from being purely macabre, they encouraged reflection, humility, and the pursuit of higher meaning. This rare survival is not only a deeply symbolic devotional artefact but also a compelling collector’s piece of museum quality. A remarkable blend of spirituality, artistry, and history,- ideal for discerning collectors of Memento Mori, ecclesiastical art, or exceptional curiosities.
- Dimensions:Height: 5.52 in (14 cm)Width: 5.52 in (14 cm)Depth: 6.3 in (16 cm)
- Style:Baroque (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1769
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Doha, QA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU7451246304342
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