Death is one of the few things that we as humans are guaranteed in life, and this is a reality that unites us all - however, the way one acknowledges this fact is unique to the individual. In medieval times, the theory and practice of reflecting on the transient nature of earthly life was known as "memento mori": a Latin phrase translating to "remember that you must die". This theory is an important aspect of ascetic disciplines - particularly Christianity - providing inspiration to turn ones attention away from the distractions of earthly concerns and desires; bringing the focus instead on the prospect of the afterlife. Artists have explored the concepts of memento mori in a number of unique ways throughout history, developing a universal language of rich visual symbolism over time. Common elements of this genre include skulls, flowers, or a candle to imply the persistence of time. This exhibition will investigate the many ways in which artists have interpreted human mortality, and how the tradition of the memento mori continues to inspire contemporary artists to this day. By creating a dialogue investigating the ephemeral nature of life, the awareness impermanence heightens appreciation of the present.
Vanitas / Still Life with Skull, Open Book with Glasses, and Hourglass / The Sands of Time, 1850 - 1852, From the collection of: The J. Paul Getty Museum
This 19th Century English daguerreotype stereograph by Thomas Richard Williams is an early photographic example of the classic memento mori composition. It contains a human skull, an hourglass, and a book with glasses abandoned mid-read - all are elements suggesting the temporary nature of human life.
mechanical clocks, Anonymous French or Italian, clock face: 18th century; skull and base: 19th century - clock face: 18th century; skull and base: 19th century, From the collection of: Bagatti Valsecchi Museum
The use of a jawless skull resting on two femurs as a base for this 18th timepiece is a clever reminder of mortality as death looms closer with each passing minute. Many clocks made today continue to carry the Latin phrase "tempus fugit" meaning "time flees".
Self-Portrait with Death Playing the Fiddle, Arnold Böcklin, 1872, From the collection of: Alte Nationalgalerie, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
In this self portrait, Swiss Symbolist painter Arnold Bocklin personifies death as a skeleton looming behind him playing the violin. According to some accounts, the skeleton was painted in later as an afterthought when friends of the artist asked what he was listening to.
Sunflowers, Vincent Willem van Gogh, Dutch, 1853 - 1890, 1888 or 1889, From the collection of: Philadelphia Museum of Art
This painting by Dutch Post Impressionist artist, Vincent van Gogh depicts sunflowers at the height of their beauty. Cut off from their stems and placed in a vase, we experience their last burst of vitality as they begin to wilt in various stages of decomposition as captured in this painting.
Self-Portrait, Edvard Munch, 1895, From the collection of: The Munch Museum, Oslo
In this self portrait, Norwegian Expressionist artist Edvard Munch has depicted himself in stark contrast, evoking the image of a ghostly apparition. The border surrounding this lithograph is suggestive of a grave stone bearing the artists name. A skeletal arm sits at the bottom of the image, appearing to be the artists own arm resting on the border.
Cow's Skull with Calico Roses, Georgia O’Keeffe (American, 1887-1986), 1931, From the collection of: The Art Institute of Chicago
American artist Georgia O'Keefe became fascinated by the skeletons of cows dotting the landscape of the Southwest - the disastrous result of a drought causing the starvation and death of the animals. The skull is adorned with the kind of artificial flowers that were laid on graves in New Mexico.
Naked man and skull, Edelfelt Albert, 1890/1905, From the collection of: EMMA - Espoo Museum of Modern Art
This etching by 19th Century Finnish artist Edelfelt Albert contains an interesting contrast between the youthful strength of the man and the skull he holds - a symbol of death and decay.
Still Life with Dead Hare and Birds, Jan Fyt, 1640s, From the collection of: Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest
This painting by the Flemish Baroque painter Jan Fyt depicts spoils of the hunt: the lifeless body of a hare surrounded by dead birds. These elements are also conventions of memento mori still life painting. This genre, also referred to as "vanitas" (Latin for "vanity") often contained subjects such as dead animals or decaying fruit as symbols of mortality.
Soap Bubbles, Jean Siméon Chardin, probably 1733/1734, From the collection of: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC
In this composition by 18th Century French painter Jean Simeon Chardin, we see two young boys absorbed in the activity of blowing a soap bubble. During this time, the bubbles served as both an entertaining pastime and as a symbol for the ephemeral nature of life. The theme of the vanitas is touched on here, implying that the boy is lazy and is wasting his time.
Old Woman Chopping Onions, Gerrit Dou, ca. 1660 - 1665, From the collection of: Huntington Museum of Art
This piece by the Dutch Baroque painter Gerrit Dou depicts an engaging rendering of light. Coupled with the age of the woman, the candle light represents a traditional symbol of the passage of time.
Salad days, Ricky Swallow, (2005), From the collection of: National Gallery of Victoria
This piece by Los Angeles based sculptor Ricky Swallow explores the traditional conventions of the 17th century Dutch vanitas still life composition from a contemporary perspective; merging and personalizing it with memories of his Australian childhood.
Viva la vida, Frida Kahlo, 1954, From the collection of: Museo Frida Kahlo
This still life is the final painting of 20th century Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Painted in vivid colours, it is a tribute to life in spite of her rapidly deteriorating health. One of the watermelons bears the inscriptions "Viva la Vida" - "Live the Life".
Credits: All media
This user gallery has been created by an independent third party and may not represent the views of the institutions whose collections include the featured works or of Google Arts & Culture.
The Art Institute of Chicago
Alte Nationalgalerie, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
Museo Frida Kahlo
Bagatti Valsecchi Museum
Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest
National Gallery of Art, Washington DC
EMMA - Espoo Museum of Modern Art
Huntington Museum of Art
Philadelphia Museum of Art
National Gallery of Victoria
The J. Paul Getty Museum
The Munch Museum, Oslo