Meerschaum Carving by Alfred Dubois circa 1920, The Crown of Thorns, Very Rare

Meerschaum Carving by Alfred Dubois of France circa 1920, Signed By The Artist, The Crown of Thorns, Very Rare Example, 18.5 x 18.5 Cm

This is a very rare and beautiful solid meerschaum that was made originally for a church, chapel or monastery. Unfortunately many churches and monasteries were destroyed during the second world war and others have fallen into disrepair since then which is probably why this wonderful sculpture is available now.

Our Lord Jesus Christ wearing the crown of thorns adorns the carving. This fabulous carving dates to around the 1920s, the period when the artist was doing his most celebrated work. The carving bears the signature of Dubois which is carved into it.

I have taken photos from as many angles as possible to show the exquisite detail of this masterful carving. On the back it is easy to see that this is a genuine meerschaum carving and not plaster. Naturally, that makes a significant difference to the value.

What makes this so rare is that work by this artist were made exclusively for religious institutions and, therefore, almost never come onto the market.

The Dubois family have been celebrated sculptors and medallists in bronze since the early part of the 10th century. Henri Alfred August Dubois, who is the artist behind this spectacular work, was born in 1859 and died in 1943. He was the son of the famous medallist Alphee Dubois who was the son of another famous engraver Joseph Eugene Dubois. Interestingly, his sister, Virginie Dubois became the step-mother of the world famous parfumier Francois Coty.

Examples of his and his family's work adorn the walls and cabinets of many famous museums around the world and command very high prices. An example of his work sold recently for over 840 euros, and that was on Ebay !!! I bought this stunning carving at an antique fair for a much more sensible price and, therefore, am able to offer this for a much more reasonable price.

Including the frame it measures 18.5 x 18.5 cms. The carving itself 12 x 12 cm and is in excellent condition.

Due to its rarity the postage profile reflects the cost of sending this item with national or international tracking and insurance.