31st Mar, 2021 10:00
Fine Interiors - Two Day Sale - Live Online
920
An Italian grand tour marble vanitas bust
An Italian grand tour marble vanitas bust,
19th century, of a shrouded skeleton,
56cm high
The notion of the transience of life has been prevalent throughout the history of art, and particularly in the Christian tradition since the Middle Ages. The word Vanitas in Latin translates as 'emptiness' or 'futility' and is often mentioned in relation to the idea of Memento Mori. Paintings, works of art and sculpture, such as the present example, depicting skeletons, clocks and other metaphors for the passage of time, were intended to serve as a reminder that one's life is fleeting, which, in turn, would prompt the viewer to live by the ethics set out in the Bible, and remember the fierce judgement that they would face upon their eventual, yet certain death.
Take advantage of our Sworders Delivery Service. Please see 'Shipping estimate' below.
Sold for £4,000
Condition Report
Some chips to edges and back. Scratches and dirt. General wear throughout. In our opinion it is most likely mid-late 19th century. It doesn't appear to have been restored or filled, however the surface does have a slightly odd finish. As far as we can see there is no evidence of metal strengthening. Please see additional photos.
IN PERSON
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ABSENTEE BIDDING
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TELEPHONE BIDDING
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Please note that we normally offer this service for lots with an estimate of £500 or higher and all telephone bid requests must be received by close of business the day before the auction.
Auction: Fine Interiors - Two Day Sale - Live Online, 31st Mar, 2021
We are very excited to share the online catalogue for our forthcoming Fine Interiors sale featuring almost 900 lots of furniture, works of art, paintings and silver. Our first sale of 2021 offers a selection of the very best in classical and contemporary furnishings from all over the globe, including a strong showing of country and vernacular pieces, as well as vibrant and bright Chinoiserie and florally themed lots, which are perfect for the beginning of Spring and the more hopeful months to come.
An exciting new development for the department is the introduction of the Fine Interiors Journal, a companion guide offering an overview of the sale complete with links directly to the relevant sections of the online catalogue.
Viewing
Due to Government guidance around social distancing, we are unable to offer general viewing of all items in our auction rooms. All lots are, however, extensively illustrated and carry detailed condition reports - see 'Condition report' at the foot of each lot description.
Removal of Lots
All lots should be removed by 5pm on Friday 9 April 2021. Furniture lots remaining after this date will be removed to:
Perry Removals, Chapel End, Broxted, Essex CM6 2BW.
Removal will be at a cost of £20 +VAT per lot and storage will be charged at £2 +VAT per lot, per day.
Please note that this item is not suitable for a pre-sale automated shipping estimate due to the items weight/size.
The below table shows indicative shipping costs for larger items being delivered within the UK mainland. Please note that all the below costs are purely for indicative purposes and are to be used as a guideline only. If you purchase multiple large items, we will combine deliveries to reduce the shipping costs.
Should you be successful in buying this item, a specific shipping estimate will need to be requested after the sale using the link in your invoice email; this also includes all requests for international delivery.
If you would like further information about shipping and collection please see here.
Buying a pre-loved, antique, or vintage item not only provides you with unique style and value for money but it also helps to reduce landfill, and the annual emissions of an antique or vintage piece can be as little as one sixteenth of those of its new equivalent!
Sworders is proud to be supporting the work of Antiques are Green - the movement that was founded in 2009 to promote “a greener future created from the past”. Read their fascinating carbon footprint study of a Georgian chest of drawers versus a modern equivalent here
Request A Valuation
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To help us with your valuation please attach clear photographs of the item where possible. You can submit up to 5.
Approximate dimensions are also useful. Expect to hear from the appropriate valuer as soon as possible.
