A Small Medieval Human Skull 'Memento Mori'. Circa 1400 – 1500 AD. Photo courtesy Finch & Co

Old dark smooth natural polished patina. Size: 13.5cm high, 18cm deep, 12.5cm wide – 5¼ ins high, 7 ins deep, 5 ins wide - SOLD 

Provenance: Ex London Private collection

Literature: Skulls were used in the medieval world as vanitas and an admonitory symbol. They were an object of devotional meditation. St Mary Magdalene is often depicted studying a skull, as during prayer it became a symbol of Christian remorse and penitence. The skull was a warning that man is not divine and cannot escape his irrevocable fate; that all earthly life is transient 'Memento Mori'.

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