A rare example of a carved wood penitential brotherhood relic, representing the 'Skulls Of The Damned', dated '1776'. Most likely originating in the Italian region which was characterised by a strong penitential culture of post-Tridentine Catholicism during the 18th century. The penitential brotherhood was, and remains, a lay Catholic association dedicated to spiritual devotion, acts of penance and charitable works. 

Relics of this form are most frequently associated with the Black Pentitents who performed rituals of repentance and meditation on death, especially during Holy Week. Hung in oratories, funeral chapels, or carried processions, these heads were powerful visual instruments to remind the faithful of the brevity of life, the necessity of repentance, and the inevitability of the Last Judgment. In essence, momento mori.  

This example consists of two realistically carved skulls back to back but without lower jaws, symbolising the depersonalisation of the human form in death. The surface is covered with a light coloured primer (possibly glue and chalk), cracked to imitate the dry, porous texture of bone. The original forged iron hanger is set into the carving and remains firmly affixed. Displayed on a contemporary wrought iron stand with detachable metal loop. 

An inscription to the base of the skulls dates the piece to '1776'. Note the few surviving examples from this period also bear date inscriptions; the manner, method and form of this inscription is consistent with known examples. There is an illegible written inscription to the base of the second skull. 

A truly fascinating object. 

Dimensions

Width: 17.5cm

Height of skulls only: 11cm

Height including iron stem: 16cm

Depth: 8cm

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