Striking sculpture, probably Austrian, ca. 18th century. Wood, fully sculpted, polychrome representation of a man's head, half carved as a skull.  A few areas of losses or wear, not affecting the visual impact. 7.5 x 1.2 x 7.9 inches; 19 cm, W. 13 cm, D. 20 cm.

This unusual memento mori wood sculpture shows a detailed carved male head on the left side, while the right side depicts a skull. The depiction symbolizes the duality of life and death and reminds us of the transience of life, and is typical of the Baroque preoccupation with mortality.