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SWEET POISON
Word Pool
Baroque
Symbolic
Memento mori
Mortality
Vanity
Eternal
Fragility
Transience
Iconic
Composition
Celebrity
Vain
Temporary
Mortality
Inevitable
Key 'Look Think Wonder questions.
Key 'Look Think Wonder questions.
What can I see?
What can I see?
What do I think the objects I see mean?
What do I think the objects I see mean?
I wonder why the artist painted them?
I wonder why the artist painted them?
The term originally comes from the opening lines of the Book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible: ‘Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities, all is vanity.’ A vanitas painting tries to convey the essential meaninglessness of earthly goods and pursuits, when compared with the eternal nature of true Christian values.
The term originally comes from the opening lines of the Book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible: ‘Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities, all is vanity.’ A vanitas painting tries to convey the essential meaninglessness of earthly goods and pursuits, when compared with the eternal nature of true Christian values.
Vanitas are closely related to memento mori still lifes which are artworks that remind the viewer of the shortnes and fragility of life (memento mori is a Latin phrase meaning ‘remember you must die’) and include symbols such as skulls and extinguished candles. However vanitas still-lifes also include other symbols such as musical instruments, wine and books to remind us of the vanity (in the sense of worthlessness) of worldly pleasures and goods.
Vanitas are closely related to memento mori still lifes which are artworks that remind the viewer of the shortnes and fragility of life (memento mori is a Latin phrase meaning ‘remember you must die’) and include symbols such as skulls and extinguished candles. However vanitas still-lifes also include other symbols such as musical instruments, wine and books to remind us of the vanity (in the sense of worthlessness) of worldly pleasures and goods.
Vermeulen, Jan: Vanitas still life
Medium: oil on wood panel
Size: 1654. 73.3 × 57.8 cm.
What is usually in a vanitas painting?
What is usually in a vanitas painting?
A vanitas painting contains collections of objects symbolic of the inevitability of death and the transience and vanity of earthly achievements and pleasures; it invites the viewer to consider mortality and to repent.
A vanitas painting contains collections of objects symbolic of the inevitability of death and the transience and vanity of earthly achievements and pleasures; it invites the viewer to consider mortality and to repent.
Vanitas paintings are a veritable feast for the eye as well as for the mind. They have their own internal logic, and are not only designed to dazzle the senses, but are meant to challenge the intellect as well. In order to fully appreciate vanitas paintings, each iconic element has to be carefully examined and its various potential symbolic meanings must be properly ascertained within the broader context of the piece as well as in relation to surrounding elements.
Vanitas paintings are a veritable feast for the eye as well as for the mind. They have their own internal logic, and are not only designed to dazzle the senses, but are meant to challenge the intellect as well. In order to fully appreciate vanitas paintings, each iconic element has to be carefully examined and its various potential symbolic meanings must be properly ascertained within the broader context of the piece as well as in relation to surrounding elements.
HOW DOES ART INFLUENCE WHAT WE CAN LEARN ABOUT OURSELVES AND OUR SOCIETY?
HOW DOES ART INFLUENCE WHAT WE CAN LEARN ABOUT OURSELVES AND OUR SOCIETY?
When were Vanitas paintings done and where?
When were Vanitas paintings done and where?
This intriguing, albeit macabre, genre of still life rose to prominence in the 16th and 17th century. It flourished primarily in the Netherlands and, to some extent, in France. Though it lost much of its popularity around 1650, its influence remains clearly visible in many modern works of art, such as Paul Cezanne'sPyramid of Skulls and Pablo Picasso's Still Life with Skull.
Just for Fun
Just for Fun
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