313
313
Italy, 18th Century
carved walnut 41 h × 15 w × 13 d in (104 × 38 × 33 cm)
carved walnut 41 h × 15 w × 13 d in (104 × 38 × 33 cm)
estimate: $20,000–30,000
Spectacular aptly describes this natural pair of Venetian twin-tailed mermaid pedestals, still together after 300 years. The beautifully carved figures with their twin-tails, represent unity - of earth and water, body and soul - and the vision of the all-pervading anima mundi or 'world soul'; the intrinsic connection between all living things on the planet. - Adam Blackman