Vanitas and other images.
Vanitas paintings are a genre of still life art that emerged in the Netherlands during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. The term "vanitas" comes from the Latin word for "vanity," and these paintings are rich in symbolism, often reflecting on the transient nature of life, the futility of pleasure, and the certainty of death.
Vanitas paintings typically include a variety of objects that serve as memento mori, or reminders of mortality. Common elements include:
Skulls: Symbolizing the inevitability of death.
Hourglasses or Watches: Representing the passage of time.
Wilted Flowers: Indicative of the fleeting nature of beauty and life.
Books: Suggesting the limits of human knowledge.
These paintings encourage viewers to ponder life's deeper meanings and the ephemeral nature of worldly possessions and achievements.
Vanitas with money and falling wine glass
