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AN ITALIAN CARVED BOXWOOD MELTING CANDLE MOMENTO MORI CANEFerrara, dated 1701 image 1
AN ITALIAN CARVED BOXWOOD MELTING CANDLE MOMENTO MORI CANEFerrara, dated 1701 image 2
Lot 42

AN ITALIAN CARVED BOXWOOD MELTING CANDLE MOMENTO MORI CANE
Ferrara, dated 1701

8 December 2025, 15:00 EST
New York

US$3,000 - US$5,000

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AN ITALIAN CARVED BOXWOOD MELTING CANDLE MOMENTO MORI CANE

Ferrara, dated 1701
The single piece of boxwood carved as a melting candle with a net of skulls, bones, and ah hourglass motif, inscribed MOMENTO HOME QUIA PULVIS ES ET IN PULVEREM REVERTERIS and FERRARA 1701, lacking a ferrule.
height overall 40in (101.5cm); width 2 3/4in (7cm)

Footnotes

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. The inscription on this carved cane translates to: Remember, man, you are to dust and to dust you shall return.

Ferrara is the capital of the Emilia Romagna region of Italy and one of the most important cities of the Renaissance, with magnificent architecture and a rich cultural history.

Provenance
Il Segno del Tempo, Milan;
Collection of Eddi Van Auken, California, purchased from the above October 2019.

Literature
Van Auken, Eddi. Masterpieces: The Eddi Van Auken Collection of Antiques Walking Sticks and Canes. Silvia Editrice, Milan, 2025, pages 152-153, number 113. (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