Jan Jansz. Trek - Vanitas Still Life (1648)

 

Relevance to my work:

Again, Trek uses symbolism within his work like other Dutch masters to draw attention to the inevitability of death through focus on Christian beliefs. This symbolism inspired the use of symbolism within my own work.

 

 

“The objects shown here are intended to remind the viewer of the inevitability of death and the consequent futility of all human ambition. They include a skull wreathed in straw (similar to Jesus’ crown of thorns), an hourglass, an extinguished pipe, and musical instruments. The title-page is of a play published in Amsterdam in 1618. It can be translated: ‘Evil is its own reward’.”

 

The National Gallery