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AN ITALIAN SILVER INLAID CARVED WALNUT MEMENTO MORI CANERome, dated 1706 image 1
AN ITALIAN SILVER INLAID CARVED WALNUT MEMENTO MORI CANERome, dated 1706 image 2
AN ITALIAN SILVER INLAID CARVED WALNUT MEMENTO MORI CANERome, dated 1706 image 3
Lot 38

AN ITALIAN SILVER INLAID CARVED WALNUT MEMENTO MORI CANE
Rome, dated 1706

8 December 2025, 15:00 EST
New York

US$3,000 - US$5,000

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AN ITALIAN SILVER INLAID CARVED WALNUT MEMENTO MORI CANE

Rome, dated 1706
One piece of walnut, with three carved visages and silver inlaid letters inscribed VADO MORI. AD 1706 and a carved braided sash near the base, lacking a ferrule.
height overall 38 1/2in (98cm); width 2in (5cm)

Footnotes

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.

Additional information