Lot 444
Book-shaped poison cabinet with skull miniature
Works of Art, Antiquities & Ancient Art | A109kua | Live auction | 1190 Lots
Description
Wood, mirror glass, metal, paper and textile; pale blind-tooled binding covering. Carved bone skull. Book-form poison cabinet fitted with six inscribed drawers. Central mirrored niche containing a dressed skull miniature. Inside cover with a hand-coloured anatomical print inscribed “Anatomie, Le Squelette vû de coté”, “Pl. 2”, with a red seal below. The combination of skull, anatomical imagery and poisonous plants evokes memento mori and vanitas symbolism. The drawer inscriptions appear contemporary with the interior fittings. Binding and interior with abrasions, staining and minor losses; mirrors spotted and scratched, textiles with areas of fraying. Dimensions 30 × 23 × 9 cm.Condition: II - III Questions about the lot?
