Vanitas
1. What do you notice in this work of art?
2. Vanity means empty or meaningless. Some people feel collecting more possessions than what they need is meaningless. What are the advantages or disadvantages of collecting only a few possessions? Why do you think most people want more and more stuff?
3. Choose a or b below:
a. John Mayer, a famous musician, wrote a song called Something’s Missing. In the chorus he sings the words, “Something’s missing, and I don’t know what it is.” Why would a famous and successful person, who could have everything money can buy, say this?
b. Jesus said, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions” (Luke 12:15). What do you think Jesus meant by this?
4. “Vanitas” describes a certain kind of painting that was popular in the Netherlands in the early 17th century. People painted objects that reminded them that life is short, and our pursuits, such as wealth, knowledge, or pleasure, can be empty and enjoyed only briefly. Draw something you would put in a vanitas painting.