DEATH MASK

Making death masks is one of the oldest sculptural techniques, serving as a memory of the deceased or as a model for creating portraits. They are made by pressing the face of the deceased into wax or plaster, usually a few hours after death.

The particular death mask in question is original and is the first cast, as evidenced by the biological remains on the mask. Unfortunately, the identity of the man is unknown, but due to the features of the mask, it appears that he was a monk. An unusual addition to any room, carrying a profound symbolic meaning – Memento mori.

Death masks are certainly one of the more intriguing traditions of humanity and a way people have preserved the memory of the deceased. The most famous death masks undoubtedly come from Egypt, where they were buried with the dead. Similarly, wax death masks from ancient Rome are known, which were used as models for carving into tombstones. A similar tradition continued for centuries until the end of the Middle Ages when they began to be made from plaster. At that time, masks began to be used in funeral rites, and then they were kept in libraries, museums, and universities. Death masks were made not only for royal members and nobility but also for prominent figures such as poets, philosophers, and playwrights. Like in ancient Rome, these death masks were often used for portraits, sculptures, busts, or engravings depicting the deceased.

Dimensions: 31 x 20 x 14.5 cm

Weight: 2.1 kg

The mask is in excellent condition and has an iron hook for wall mounting.