“Skull of a Skeleton with Burning Cigarette” is an artwork created by the renowned artist Vincent van Gogh between the years 1885 and 1886. Executed in oil on canvas, this masterpiece is a notable example of the Post-Impressionism movement, falling under the genre of vanitas. The dimensions of the artwork are 32 x 24.5 cm.
The artwork portrays a skull, rendered with meticulous detail, that is suggestive of the human anatomy’s fragility and the ephemerality of life, characteristic themes of vanitas art. The skull is depicted smoking a burning cigarette, adding a touch of irreverence and perhaps serving as a commentary on the fleeting nature of existence. The dark background contrasts sharply with the pale tones of the skull, emphasizing its form and texture. Through thick, deliberate brushstrokes, van Gogh has conveyed both a sense of realism and a sense of stylization that is emblematic of his broader body of work.
