Display case Luigi XIV with ceroplastic elements - 19th century

The wooden case in ceroplast represents a still life. It is clearly a Vanitas, a 17th-century still life type that takes its cue from the first verses of the biblical book of wisdom Qohelet (or Ecclesiastes), translated as 'vanitas vanitatum et omnia vanitas', alluding to the theme of the transience of life.
The scene in the shrine consists of a skull with a sprig of coral on either side and a hand with its index finger pointing upwards. The meaning of such a still life suggests to the viewer a reflection on the inexorable passing of time and also on the futility of ephemeral earthly goods and pleasures. The iconography therefore has moralising assumptions, aimed at inviting the viewer to attend to the most important eternal salvation. The rectangular case is made of wood and glass, decorated with acanthus leaves in the corners and four physiomorphic feet.
Height length depth: 44 x 56 x 36 cm.
Iem condition grading: **** good (minor defects).