A pair of wood and bone carvings, Late 18th - early 19th century

made of limewood and bone, these sculptures are carved in the round to depict figures of peasants.
The figures, masterfully carved, portray two individuals dressed in tattered clothing, a clear indication of the economic hardship and poverty of the subjects represented. The ivory carvings emphasize anatomical details and facial expressions, conveying a strong pathos that makes these pieces particularly realistic and moving.
The male and female figures are sculpted with remarkable attention to detail, as evident in their poses, hands, and worn clothing, which communicate the social distress embodied by these figures. The contrast between the dark wood and light ivory creates a striking visual composition, highlighting the exposed areas of skin through a refined play of light and shadow.
In the context of the 18th century, representations of beggars or lower-class figures also held moral and educational significance, evoking religious themes of charity and compassion. These sculptures, therefore, may have held not only aesthetic value but also a didactic or symbolic intent, inviting the observer to reflect on the fragility of the human condition.
The two sculptures are characteristic of German craftsmanship inspired by the Tyrolean sculptor Simon Troger (1683–1768).

Height x width x depth male figure: 23 x 9 x 8 cm; weight: 210 g
Height x width x depth female figure: 21.5 x 8.6 x 8 cm; weight: 250 g

Troger, originally from Tyrol, after an apprenticeship in the regional capital Innsbruck, opened a flourishing workshop in Munich around 1726, attracting several royal clients who were fascinated by the rare skill of the Tyrolean master in sculpting a difficult and precious material like ivory, combined with virtuoso wood carving.
His works are designed to evoke realistic and highly expressive figures, representative of an era when art sought to capture and convey social and spiritual realities.
Under the patronage of Elector Maximilian III Joseph of Bavaria (1727–1777), Troger became one of the most renowned ivory sculptors of his time, receiving commissions from many European courts. He also produced numerous monumental works, such as the famous group preserved in the Palazzo Madama in Turin, composed of the Sacrifice of Isaac and the Judgment of King Solomon, each over two meters tall, depicting biblical, mythological, and popular scenes, including beggars and street musicians.
His works are held in prestigious private and public collections, such as the Hermitage Museum, Dresden, Vienna, and Munich, among others, confirming the artistic importance of his production.