The artwork entitled “Skull with Burning Cigarette,” masterfully rendered by Vincent van Gogh in 1885, originates from Nuenen, Netherlands. This piece, executed using oil on canvas, is prominently associated with the Realism art movement. Measuring 32.5 by 24 centimeters, the artwork falls under the genre of vanitas and is currently housed at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
The artwork features a skeletal head, detailed with meticulous brushstrokes that highlight the bone structure and shadows, creating a stark representation of a human skull. What adds to the unique nature of this piece is the inclusion of a burning cigarette, clutched between the teeth of the skull, emitting a thin wisp of smoke. The dark background presents a striking contrast to the bright tones of the bone, amplifying the eerie yet contemplative atmosphere that embodies the themes of life, death, and the ephemeral nature of existence, which are central to the vanitas genre.
