“Vanitas. Still Life” by Pieter Claesz, created in 1660, is an exquisite example of Baroque art within the vanitas genre. The artwork embodies the transient nature of earthly pleasures and material wealth, as is characteristic of the vanitas genre, which seeks to remind viewers of the inevitability of death and the futility of worldly pursuits.
The artwork showcases a meticulously arranged composition of various objects, each symbolizing different aspects of life’s impermanence. Prominently, an open book lies at the center, inscribed with the phrase “Memento Mori,” a poignant reminder of mortality. Surrounding the book are other artifacts including a smoking candle, playing cards, a pocket watch, coins, and a skull. The extinguished candle symbolizes the fleeting nature of life, while the cards and coins signify the vain pursuits of wealth and pleasure. The inclusion of the skull, an omnipresent symbol in vanitas paintings, reinforces the theme of mortality. The arrangement is rich in texture and detail, with Claesz’s masterful use of light and shadow accentuating the solemn message conveyed by the still life.
