Vanitas Still Life

What is Vanitas?

A vanitas is a representative show-stopper demonstrating the fleetingness of life, the uselessness of delight, and the sureness of death, frequently differentiating images of riches and images of ephemerality and passing.

What were the intentions behind Vanitas artworks?

Vanitas artworks are used to juxtapose life and death, creating a surreal image that questions life and philosophical ideologies. The vanitas artworks showcase the absurd differences between death and life, whilst showing how similar they are. Truly a masterpiece. These surrealistic artworks often create a mood which can be explored by the viewers of the art.

How do Vanitas artists use symbolism in their work? Give some examples of the common symbols used.

Many Vanitas artists utilise symbolism in their artworks to get through ideas. Items such as skulls are used to symbolise death and its inevitability. However, it is juxtaposed or contrasted with something that is alive like an apple which symbolises life and how happy it is. These ideas create a surreal artwork which creates a detailed story depending on the view you have on it.

What are the key visual characteristics of Vanitas art?

Vanitas art require a control of lighting. Shadows may be effective as they overlook something. For example, a skull can overshadow objects which shows that death is the end, that it overlooks life as if it is waiting for it to come. A bright background can convey happiness whereas a dark background can convey darkness and mystery. The idea of death and life being juxtaposed is accentuated depending on the colour of each item. For instance, a lemon which has a bright yellow colour can completely destroy the ominous atmosphere of the image due to its colour and symbolism.

How have you recreated these in your still life photography practice?

I have recreated this in my still life photography practice by placing different objects effectively to centralise a theme or mood. By having the front view of the artwork being dark fruit such as purple grapes, I was able to compare life and death on a single object. This idea centralises the items inside the surrounding grapes which includes a skull, colourful flowers and a pinecone. I went for an opposite effect since I made the fruits that were supposed to represent life, represent death. This is the same for the skull. By positioning the skull so that there were colourful and bright flowers around it, I have encouraged the idea of death, thus, juxtaposing life and death which is a central theme in most vanitas artworks.