In the 'art' of mortality, every skull, every wilted flower and empty hourglass carries the same quiet message — time is slipping through your fingers. AsHalloween and Dia de Muertos nears, we'll see these symbols and metaphors often. We may be entertained and look past them, but behind their meaning lies the truth, 'remember you must die.'
Stark? Perhaps. But what this is, in fact, is an invitation to live more vividly.
For centuries artists have found the balance between decay and beauty compelling as subject matter. While skulls are common inmemento moriart and are the classic symbol of mortality, they are not the only subjects artists use to ruminate on life's fleeting nature. Musical instruments, clocks, wisps of smoke and mirrors are other examples.
Some background: ‘Memento mori' emerged in medieval Europe as a philosophy during years of plague, suggesting people meditate on objects that reminded them of life and death.It was a highly esteemed discipline and called awareness to life's fragility. These reminders weren't intended as a burden but as a guide. From this theme sprang opportunities for artists to create visual representations.
Vanitas with Violin and Glass Ball - PIeter Claesz
Pyramid of Skulls - Paul Cezanne
Stairway to Heaven - E. E. Jacks*
The Departure of Time - E. E. Jacks*
Skull of a Skeleton with Burning Cigarette - Vincent van Gogh
To the Graveyard - Jane Ouweleen*
Many artists have found expression through memento mori's message. Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cezanne, Pieter Claesz, as well as our gallery artists, Jane Ouweleen and E. E. Jacks.
E. E. Jacks expresses her thoughts:
"The idea of my own mortality, and our mortality as humans, being just around the corner is often at the forefront of my mind when I’m conceptualizing a painting. I like to inject edges of something dangerous and unknown in my work. Those frayed edges of our limited time on Earth remind me that time is precious. With each breath, we climb ever closer to the end of this life.
I see this, however, as a counterbalance to avarice. 'Memento mori' forces us to consider those we leave behind and those who will come after. For me, it is a deeply sentient and compassionate act."
In a world today that focuses on youth and permanence, these artists' visions whisper the oldest truth — that beauty deepens when we remember it won’t last.
Vanitas with Violin and Glass Ball - PIeter Claesz
