C. 1900 Antique Bronze & Carved Bone Vanitas Memento Mori Skull Bust Sculpture

£2,295.00

Unusual bronze and carved bone Vanitas Memento Mori bust of Polish romantic poet, ethnographer and sculptor Teofil Lenartowicz (1822 - 1893).

The moustached face detaches to reveal the skull beneath. For display the face can hang for a hook on the side of the face or to the side of the bust.

The scroll at the base is inscribed with Lirenka, the name of his most famous poetry volume published in 1855.

Late 19th Century - 1900 Poland.

Dramatic and unusual sculpture.

Patinated blackened bronze with patches of gold showing beneath.

A vanitas is a symbolic work of art showing the transience of life, the futility of pleasure, and the certainty of death. The skull was the symbol of death from the 1500s onwards; previously death was represented as a skeleton. Skulls were very popular in the Baroque period and were not only an essential part of any Wonderland Room (Wunderkammer), but also acted as contemplative reminders of mortality.

H: 26.5 / W: 18.5 / D: 11cm.

Shipping: UK £20 / EU £100 / Message for a quote for USA & Rest of World.

Unusual bronze and carved bone Vanitas Memento Mori bust of Polish romantic poet, ethnographer and sculptor Teofil Lenartowicz (1822 - 1893).

The moustached face detaches to reveal the skull beneath. For display the face can hang for a hook on the side of the face or to the side of the bust.

The scroll at the base is inscribed with Lirenka, the name of his most famous poetry volume published in 1855.

Late 19th Century - 1900 Poland.

Dramatic and unusual sculpture.

Patinated blackened bronze with patches of gold showing beneath.

A vanitas is a symbolic work of art showing the transience of life, the futility of pleasure, and the certainty of death. The skull was the symbol of death from the 1500s onwards; previously death was represented as a skeleton. Skulls were very popular in the Baroque period and were not only an essential part of any Wonderland Room (Wunderkammer), but also acted as contemplative reminders of mortality.

H: 26.5 / W: 18.5 / D: 11cm.

Shipping: UK £20 / EU £100 / Message for a quote for USA & Rest of World.

SHIPPING:

Purchase price does not include shipping. All items are shipped fully insured from our London SE18 address. Or collection is possible most days by appointment.

We will package small to medium items for shipping, or box or wrap larger items sent by courier, at no charge. If a larger item requires to be sent in a crate that will be part of the shipping cost.

Customer to pay for shipping / courier & insurance after purchase - cost depends on item and destination.

The customer will also have to pay any import taxes & duties directly to the authority depending on the destination countries policy.

Small to medium items that aren't fragile can be sent via Fedex to UK, EU and Rest of World. We would recommend sending any larger fragile or large items by courier vans to UK addresses. We have also used reliable and affordable couriers for such items to West & Central EU. Large and fragile items can also be sent crated via shipping companies.

We can offer advice and a close estimated quote in advance of purchase, and advise on the most cost effective but safe options..

We can also advise on import VAT charges to the EU (antiques and works of art over 100 years old are charged at a lower % tax to EU countries, usually around 5.5%).

As of late 2025 the USA now charges a 10% tarif, despite antiques of over 100 years old having zero tarif-line duty. Tarifs will also vary depending on an items country of manufacture. There may also be a US customs processing & clearance fee. We will work with you to provide the correct commodity code and paperwork to minimise any such tarif/fees as much as possible.

Most items are antique and fragile and some wear should be expected. Condition will be accurately reported in item descriptions

Items are honestly & accurately described with clear photos. All sales are final, with no returns (unless misrepresented in the listing - any issues to be confirmed within one week of delivery).

Please email with any questions.