Antique Silver and Coral Skull Pendant, Italy circa 1780s © Bernardo Antichita  

The pendant, dated to the 1780s, consists of a coral skull and a silver eyelet. The pendant is carefully carved, giving a naturalistic image of the skull, which is designed to be worn as an amulet. The pendant, therefore, can be interpreted as a Memento Mori, as well as a symbolic representation, which has spread since the Middle Ages, with the aim of remembering the transience and mortal nature of life, inviting us to live wisely and to give greater value to the passing of time. The Memento Mori is a depiction that has been widely used to combat vanity, prioritize what truly matters, and reduce everyday worries.