An important cultural and decorative object, Germany around 1750.

Germany, first part of XVIII century.

6000 Euro

A plaster sculpture depicting a skull is placed above the base of a plinth in the shape of a column, made of fir wood and finished with pastiglia (refined plaster) and gilded gold.
Above the top of the base, the skull is fixed.
Around the first step of the base, a bronze element, in the shape of a ribbon, which bears the inscription: HODIE MIHI CRAS TIBI (TODAY FOR ME, TOMORROW TO YOU), embraces it.
This Latin phrase, often used in Christian sepulchral inscriptions, derives from a verse of Sirach, mihi heri, et tibi hodie, “yesterday to me, and today to you” (38.23 in the Latin Vulgate, 38.22 in the CEI Bible) , where a dead, or death, personified. In common parlance, the expression serves to admonish those who rejoice in the misfortunes of others that may one day strike them, or it is used as an exhortation to endure the inevitable evils of life. On the back, the ribbon ends with the typical double bow on each side. On the side / back two removable and rotatable candle holder arms to embrace the base. Candles were used on the ritual destination of the sculpture, without them for daytime use. Germany, first part of XVIII century.

9,75” – 25 CM H 15” – 38 CM L 9” – 23 CM D

REF: M5576

Inquire about this item

    Write to us