Portrait of a nobleman (Sarmacki portrait), oil on canvas, Poland, 18th century.
The portrait, originally rectangular and later cut down to an oval and relined, depicts an elderly man in noble (szlachecki) attire characteristic of the 18th century. The figure is shown half-length, facing frontally with a slight turn of the torso and one hand resting on the hip, which lends the composition a sense of dignity and static elegance.
The face, with mature features such as a high forehead, short, thinning grey hair, and subtle wrinkles — is rendered realistically, with attention to individual physiognomic traits. The gaze is calm and restrained, conveying charisma and composure, as well as an established social standing. This is further emphasized by the impressive noble (szlachecki) attire: a żupan embroidered with gold thread, a dark blue kontusz lined with red fabric, fastened with large gold buttons, and a wide, light-colored sash tied around the hips.
The painting is an excellent example of the so-called “Sarmacki portrait”, emphasizing social class affiliation, wealth, and official position. It stands out for its solid artistic craftsmanship, naturalistic treatment, and the mature age of the sitter.
Przeworsk belt buckle, gilt silver, Poland, 17th century.
Przeworsk belt buckle, silver, Poland, 17th century.
Skull (Memento Mori), marble, Italy, 18th-19th century
Elegant, decorative skull made of natural gray marble, maintained in a realistic style: the eye sockets, cranial seam lines and zygomatic arches are clearly formed. The faded dentition alludes to the concept of Vanitas.
The characteristic feature of the stone used for the sculpture is irregular veining in shades of beige, cream and gray, which gives it a unique character. The surface is polished, with natural discolorations and small marks due to the properties of the material, which emphasizes the authenticity and nobility of the marble. The skull is provided with a lead pin underneath, set on a minimalist, contemporary base in black, which exposes the sculpture and gives it a museum-like character.
The object is ideal for collectors of curiosities, lovers of the art of Vanitas - Memento Mori, cabinets of curiosities and as an expressive element of interior design in classical, industrial or eclectic style. An object with a strong aesthetic and symbolic expression, which is difficult to pass by indifferently.
Skull on a quadrilateral console, wood, Germany (?), 18th, 19th century.
Table spoon, silver, Poland, ca. 1650
Tablespoon, silver, Poland, c. mid-17th century.
Wooden Spoon with ‘V’ Initial, Germany, 19th Century.
This hand-carved wooden spoon, 23 cm long, originates from Poland and is dated to the 19th century or earlier. The deep, functional bowl shows clear signs of use. The handle is adorned with serrated line carvings and a 'V' initial, likely for owner identification. A leather strap with an old collector's paper tag remains attached to the end.
In the 19th century in Poland, spoons of this type were among the basic items of everyday use on rural and pastoral farms. They were made by hand from a single piece of wood, which was part of the tradition of Polish folk craftsmanship, based on simple, durable materials.
Copies with preserved markings are rare today, documenting the development of Polish material culture and everyday practices of village life.
“Toast” Wedding Goblet, glass, Poland (manufactory in Urzecz), ca. 1760-1780.
The bowl cylindrical, slightly tapering towards the bottom, thickened and profiled in the lower part, decorated with dense, regular cutting resembling fish scales. The stem baluster-shaped, faceted (cut). The nodus elaborate, three-part, cut in the same manner as the lower part of the bowl. The foot circular, two-stepped.
On the bowl a double-sided engraved decoration: on one side the initials M.W. under a baronial crown with seven points ending in pearls, on the other a Gothic inscription: "Ile kropli w tym pucharze / Tyle łaski niech Wam w darze / Daje Bóg dobrotliwy / Ze wszech miar miłościwy".
Below, an engraved oak garland with acorn motif, supported by a pair of putta, executed in cutting technique. The putti display proportions and poses characteristic for barok and rokoko.