7.2 Vanitas and memento mori themes

Vanitas and memento mori paintings were all about reminding people that life is short and death is inevitable. Artists used symbols like skulls, hourglasses, and wilting flowers to show that earthly pleasures and possessions don't last forever.

These still life paintings aimed to make viewers think about their own mortality and what really matters in life. By highlighting the fleeting nature of beauty and wealth, they encouraged people to focus on spiritual growth instead of worldly pursuits.

Symbolic Objects

Reminders of Mortality

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  File:Hendrick Andriessen and Nicolaes van Verendael - Vanitas still life with a bunch of flowers ... View original

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  File:Harmen Steenwijck - Vanitas.JPG - Wikimedia Commons View original

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• Skull represents death and the fleeting nature of life, serving as a stark reminder of human mortality
• Hourglass symbolizes the passage of time and the inevitability of death, with the sand running out representing the limited time each person has on earth
• Extinguished candle signifies the fragility and temporary nature of life, as the flame can be easily snuffed out just like a life can end abruptly

Ephemeral Pleasures

• Bubbles embody the transient nature of worldly pleasures and the brevity of life, as they float briefly in the air before popping and disappearing
• Wilting flowers symbolize the fleeting beauty and decay of all living things, reminding the viewer that even the most vibrant and attractive aspects of life will eventually fade and wither away (roses, tulips)

Themes and Motifs

Vanitas

• Vanitas is a genre of still life painting that focuses on the transience of life and the futility of worldly pursuits and pleasures
• These paintings often include symbolic objects that remind the viewer of their mortality and the fleeting nature of earthly existence (skulls, hourglasses, extinguished candles)
• Vanitas works aim to encourage the viewer to contemplate the inevitability of death and to focus on spiritual matters rather than material possessions or temporary pleasures
• The term "vanitas" is derived from the Latin phrase "vanitas vanitatum," which means "vanity of vanities," emphasizing the emptiness and meaninglessness of earthly life

Memento Mori

• Memento mori is a Latin phrase that translates to "remember that you must die," serving as a reminder of the inevitability of death
• This theme is closely related to vanitas and is often incorporated into still life paintings through the inclusion of symbolic objects like skulls, decaying fruit, or wilting flowers
• Memento mori artworks encourage the viewer to reflect on their own mortality and to consider the importance of leading a virtuous life in preparation for the afterlife
• The theme of memento mori has been prevalent in art, literature, and philosophy throughout history, with roots in ancient Greek and Roman cultures (Stoicism, Epicureanism)

Transience of Life and Futility of Earthly Pursuits

• Vanitas and memento mori paintings emphasize the transience of life, reminding the viewer that all living things are subject to decay and death
• These artworks also highlight the futility of earthly pursuits, suggesting that material possessions, wealth, and worldly achievements are ultimately meaningless in the face of mortality
• By depicting objects that symbolize the passing of time (hourglasses, clocks) and the decay of living things (wilting flowers, rotting fruit), these paintings encourage the viewer to reevaluate their priorities and focus on spiritual matters
• The themes of vanitas and memento mori serve as a call to humility, reminding the viewer that all individuals, regardless of their social status or accomplishments, are equal in the face of death (kings, peasants)