Memento mori. A caged and suspended skull sculpture, Germany, late 17th century.

Germany late 17th century.

A rare example of Memento Mori from Wunderkammer depicting a skull caged in a forged iron structure, with a chain for hanging. The sculpture is made of scagliola plaster with a high artistic and executive level. It rests on a coplanar base plate, the edges of which are enriched by a decoration of punched and stapled tongues, alternating upwards and downwards. The cage is particularly valuable, showing a high artistic level and a refined client. It is built with a cruciform element at the top, which is progressively forged downwards with a central bar twisted on each side and thin curved bars that open to embrace the shape of the skull. A central hook at the peak is set into a suspension chain with straight bar links and double eyelets at the ends. Germany, late 17th century.

22” – 56 CM H 6” – 15 CM L 8,75” – 22 CM D

REF: M5979