The objects which represent the ‘Vanities of Human Life’ fill the lower half of the work. The absence of form in the upper half represents our spiritual existence. It is an empty space into which we can project our beliefs and ideas as to what this means.
Q. What is a vanitas artwork?
A still life artwork which includes various symbolic objects designed to remind the viewer of their mortality and of the worthlessness of worldly goods and pleasures.
Q. What is a memento mori painting?
Memento mori is a Latin phrase meaning ‘remember you must die’. A basic memento mori painting would be a portrait with a skull but other symbols commonly found are hour glasses or clocks, extinguished or guttering candles, fruit, and flowers. Closely related to the memento mori picture is the vanitas still life.
Q. What does Jewellery Vanitas mean?
Jewellery – symbolises the temporary nature of beauty, wealth and wisdom. Globe – symbol of the earth and the sky. Table cloth (usually silk or velvet) – symbolise vanity itself as these were expensive fabrics. Books – symbol of human knowledge.
Q. Why was vanitas created?
Vanitas Reminds Us of Vanities The word vanitas is Latin for “vanity” and that is the idea behind a vanitas painting. They were created to remind us that our vanity or material possessions and pursuits do not preclude us from death, which is inevitable.
Q. What do instruments represent in Vanitas?
Musical instruments created sublime sounds and emotions, but in the end they symbolised the ephemeral nature of music. Sometimes the precious instrument was left lying on the ground or carelessly propped against a table, another suggestion that the care once lavished on music would eventually turn to neglect.
Q. What Vanitas insect symbol is sacrifice?
Bee – symbol of martyrdom (the bee sacrifices his own life to save the hive).
