Mid 18th Century Italian Antique Memento Mori Dated “1751”

An 18th-Century Italian antique funerary memento mori pediment. Most probably once forming part of a much larger piece now long since lost.

“Memento mori” is a Latin phrase meaning ‘remember you must die’. A basic memento mori sculpture or painting would be a portrait with a skull but other symbols commonly found are hourglasses or clocks, extinguished or guttering candles, fruit, and flowers.

This bi-corn shaped fragment is painted with polychrome and incorporates a skull and crossbones and is dated “1751”. An iron boss is attached at the centre.

Provenance – Acquired from an Italian collection.

Condition – Surface wear as per the images. This piece displays well. A further detailed condition report is available upon request. 

Size – WIdth 26 cm x Height 15 cm x Depth 3 cm (10 1/4″ x 6″ x 1 1/5″)