Vintage Relief Carving of Melancholic Looking Young Man Galium trifidum though the arched back

though the arched back

I was struck by the terrific delicacy of this original engraving from 1814

a giant pest

or to fill with a couple of little treasures and give as a gift basket

I believe this sweet little wooden box was a Florentine souvenir

Vintage Relief Carving of Melancholic Looking Young Man Galium trifidum though the arched backNot an especially skillful carving, but it's one I'd be inclined to have an ongoing conversation with, encouraging this young fellow to cheer up a bit! I've got a bit of a weakness for what might be described as portraits of the artist as a young man (or young woman!) and would venture to guess this was indeed a self portrait, maybe carved in art class, capturing its maker in a moment of youthful angst. 9 3 4" x 7 5 8" x 5 8" thick, with a dark stain