French Playing Card Sculpture: "Memento Mori" the Art of Death

A skull, politely boxed, with the cards slightly stacked against him.

This memento mori sculpture from France, made of paper in the 20th century, plays on the old theme of the art of death. Memento mori objects have long served as reminders of mortality, and playing cards are often linked with fortune and chance. A pale skull with deep eye sockets and bared teeth sits inside a box cut open on one side. The outer sides are patterned in plaid, and red card pips peek from the interior.

About 4 by 3 by 2 inches. Desk-sized, wry, and not easily outstared.