Memento Mori "sator Arepo Tenet Opera Rotas"

Memento Mori from a French collection and dating from the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century.
The quality of the production of this Memento Mori is remarkable.

Description

This is a skull with the top of the skull engraved with the magic square of Sator*, produced with great finesse of details, such as the teeth of the skull, the engraving of the letters but also the respect of proportions, etc... A truly refined work that echoes the theme of the "Memento Mori".* The sculpture rests on a blackened wooden base decorated with brass.

Dimensions

height: 6 cm including the base.


About

The phrase "Sator Arepo Tenet Opera Rotas" is a famous Latin palindrome known as the magic square of Sator. It is read the same way in all directions: from left to right, from right to left, from top to bottom and from bottom to top.

Possible meaning: The exact translation is uncertain and subject to many interpretations, as some words are rare or obscure.
A common translation is:

"The sower (or creator) Arepo carefully holds the wheels"

- Sator = the sower, the creator (can also evoke God or a creative principle).
- Arepo = unknown word in Latin, often interpreted as a proper name.
- Tenet = he holds, he maintains. - Opera = with care, by work.
- Rotas = the wheels.

Origin and use:

- The Sator square has been found on Roman, medieval and Christian archaeological sites.
- It is often considered a mystical or magical symbol.
- It is attributed esoteric uses, notably in alchemy and secret Christian traditions.

An interesting detail: the letters of the square make it possible to form the word Pater Noster (Our Father in Latin), by crossing a double "A" and "O" (Alpha and Omega, symbols of God in the Christian tradition).

It is a fascinating symbol, still surrounded by mystery today.

*Memento Mori literally means "Remember that you are going to die". It is an artistic theme that recalls human mortality, often represented through works or objects intended to encourage reflection on the ephemeral nature of life.

Condition

Good condition