An Extremely Rare Early 19th Century Plaster Phrenology Head By Ambrose Lewis Vago & Period Glass Display Dome
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An Extremely Rare Early 19th Century Plaster Phrenology Head By Ambrose Lewis Vago With Small Period Glass Display Dome.
The 19th Century saw the growth of science from the folklore and mythologies associated with centuries gone by. Phrenology was a Pseudoscience which involved measuring bumps on the head to predict mental traits.
Early plaster heads, like this one, were made with paper labels attached and were sold to physicians and university students to help with their studies. Later in the century, the heads were made of porcelain, making these early plaster heads extremely rare, particularly ones in this condition.
The maker of this example, Ambrose Lewis Vago was born in London in 1839. He became interested in phrenology at an early age and subsequently became a plaster head modeller and phrenologist.
It appears that the address on the label of this head is his earliest known address and therefore makes this a very rare early example of his work.
Condition is good, commensurate with age and use. Structurally sound. Still retains the majority of its paper labels with good strong legible text. Age related wear and patina to be expected. Glass dome is structurally sound with no chips or cracks.
Measures (head) 15cm x 8cm x 7cm & (dome) 21cm x 17cm
Weighs 750 grams