16thC Skull Form Offertory Box

Florence, Italy
Carved wood, polychrome
Circa: 1520
Size: 6 1/4" (w) x 10" (d) x 7" (h)
An extraordinary box in the form of a human skull (slightly larger than life-size) with a hinged door in the forehead. The open-work door is carved in the shape an early Christian IX monogram. The top of the skull features a Christ Enthroned; the back with a church and the sides with pierced words one of which reads, “CHARITAS.” A most remarkable mememto mori!

Provenance: Purchased from Gabrielle LaRoche Gallery, Paris, France 1989; Arnold Crane collection.

Condition: Excellent with wear to paint comensurate with age and use.

Price: $28,000.00

ALL ITEMS GUARANTEED AS REPRESENTED