Patinated Plaster It Is Appointed for Men to Die Once Vanitas Curiosity Object, 1900

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“vanitas” sculpture, ca 1900. Patinated plaster sculpture depicting a human skull placed on a grimoire, accompanied by a die. On … Read more “vanitas” sculpture, ca 1900. Patinated plaster sculpture depicting a human skull placed on a grimoire, accompanied by a die. On the grimoire is a latin inscription: “statutum est hominibus semel mori,” which translates as: “it is established that men must die only once.” the composition thus illustrates the classical memento mori theme, reminding us of the fragility of life and the role of chance in existence. A unique piece, at the intersection of curiosity object and symbolic sculpture, it fits within the tradition of vanitas, highly valued in art since the renaissance. Patina consistent with the period; the object is sold as is, with some loss of color and minor chips on the base. Period: 19th century - end of 19th / 20th century - 1900 to 1919. Dimensions (h x w x d): 16cm x 28cm x 21 cm. Weight: 2 kg. Condition: good. Style: other style / symbolism. Material: mineral / stone. See less