'Memento Mori' miniature or viewing coffin with corpse - photo 1
'Memento Mori' miniature or viewing coffin with corpse - photo 2
'Memento Mori' miniature or viewing coffin with corpse - photo 3

'Memento Mori' miniature or viewing coffin with corpse

Lot 183
24.05.2025 14:00UTC +01:00
Classic
Sold
€ 500
AuctioneerWETTMANN | Auktionshaus an der Ruhr
Event locationGermany, Mülheim an der Ruhr
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ID 1430164
Lot 183 | 'Memento Mori' miniature or viewing coffin with corpse
'Memento Mori' miniature or viewing coffin with corpse
probably 19th century, wood, wax, textile inlay, 7 x 20 x 7.2 cm, with inscription in German Kurrent script, inscription slightly faded, literature enclosed The first viewing coffins known today date from the 17th century. As a rule, transi (decomposing corpses) or skeletons (corpses) made of silver, wax, wood or bone are found in coffins made of wood. The figures are usually protected by glass plates or sliding devices and show signs of decomposition such as maggots, worms, snakes, rats or toads. The use of the viewing coffins probably stems from the ecclesiastical and bourgeois tradition of visualising the inevitable fate of death in juxtaposition with life in order to come to terms with existence. Objects from this tradition are also called 'memento mori' (remember to die). The traditional use of these objects in monasteries, burial customs, pharmacies, cabinets of curiosities or private homes is difficult and rare to determine today, but these miniature coffins were found in these places or can still be found in monastery, church or private collections. Before and during their greatest popularity in the 19th century, these objects were also worn as pieces of jewellery made of valuable materials such as ivory or gold.

Address of auction WETTMANN | Auktionshaus an der Ruhr
Friedrichstraße 67-67a
45468 Mülheim an der Ruhr
Germany
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