Harmen Steenwyck - Still Life: An Allegory of the Vanities of Human Life (1640)

 

“The extinguished oil lamp, skull, watch and recorder identify the picture as a vanitas, a reminder to the viewer of the transience of human life. However, the books, shells and sword may also refer to the pursuits of an active human mind, such as study and collecting.”

The National Gallery

 

 

Relevance to my work:

Dramatic lighting is similar to other paintings of the time like those by Caravaggio. The space in the top left hand corner is in the shape of triangle which could represent the Trinity. This also gives space for thought to understand the meaning within the symbolism and allow the viewer space within the painting to think on the important issues raised, this may be important to consider when creating my own compositions. The clarity and reality of the style of painting is similar to the botanical drawings within my own work. This brings to mind the reality of life and immanency of death.