
Nicole Smith
Specialist, Head of Sale



US$3,000 - US$5,000

Specialist, Head of Sale

Associate Specialist

Head of Department, Private & Iconic Collections, North America

Specialist, Head of Sale
This cane uniquely depicts the cycle of grief. The three visages depicting a woman who has died, her husband in a state of torment willing his own death, and his skull in a phase of decomposition with worms writhing and encircling his head.
Visual symbols of death are referred to as momento mori. United by common symbols such as skulls, skeletons, hourglasses, extinguished candles, and flowers, these serve to remind the viewer of their impending mortality and the fleetingness of life; as well as the hope that this reminder will encourage a virtuous life.
Provenance
Il Segno del Tempo, Milan;
Collection of Eddi Van Auken, California, purchased from the above December 2019.
Literature
Van Auken, Eddi. Masterpieces: The Eddi Van Auken Collection of Antiques Walking Sticks and Canes. Silvia Editrice, Milan, 2025, pages 146-147, number 109. (illustrated)
Condition reports are not provided in catalog descriptions. The absence of a condition report does not guarantee that the lot is in good condition or free from damage and wear. We encourage you to request a condition report and/or additional photos prior to bidding on any lot.