Late 17th Century Memento Mori Faux White Marble Child Skull Figure Sculpture

Description

This engaging sculpture of Memento Mori dated Late 17th Century, is part of a production of small terracotta figures for … more This engaging sculpture of Memento Mori dated Late 17th Century, is part of a production of small terracotta figures for private use, which Giuseppe Maria Mazza, created throughout his career alongside large stucco works intended to embellish churches and palaces in Bologna. The piece was made in terracotta and then painted to imitate the white marble. The sculpture has a gilded wooden base finely engraved with a leaf decoration. The title is Vanitas and the skull has the meaning of the passage of the time. The refinement and elegance of the Classicism of the artist, highlight his mastery in creating this terracotta work. The pictorial rendering and softness of the forms are peculiar characteristics of all the work of the artist. Giuseppe Maria Mazza (Bologna 1653 - 1741) trained with Lorenzo Pasinelli (Bologna Italy 1629 - 1700). Mazza was a very well-known Bolognese artist at that time, who received several offers from European courts to move to work for the rulers, but he preferred to remain in Bologna, and except for short trips to Rome and Venice to learn the art of sculpture, he created many works requested by Churches and private clients in Bologna. The piece is in very good state of maintenance and it is guaranteed original in every parts. The surface was only cleaned not restored and it is original. The terracotta sculpture has the Certificate of Authenticity and a full documentation relating to the provenance. The documents will be shown on demand in case of interest. less