WhatsApp usArt is not always defined by what we see with the naked eye. Beneath the surface, many historic paintings are filled with symbolism that reveals how our ancestors understood life, death and morality.
When we study a painting from the past, there are often several layers to uncover: first, what we see; second, what we can interpret; and finally, the deeper meaning that emerges when we consider the symbolism alongside the historical and artistic context.
One of the most fascinating genres to explore in this way is a vanitas, the form of still life that uses powerful symbols to remind us of mortality, faith and the impermanence of wealth and beauty.
Above: two 17th century Vanitas by B. Schaak and Edwaert Collier
To a casual observer, a vanitas artwork may appear to be a simple arrangement of objects – perhaps including a morbid skull – but the true purpose of the composition runs far deeper. These paintings were designed to prompt reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the spiritual destiny of the soul.
Understanding symbolism in vanitas art opens a window into the values and philosophies of the renaissance and baroque periods. Our conservation experts have created a detailed guide to help you interpret the meaning behind each object and uncover the moral messages within these remarkable works. We also explore how cleaning and restoring vanitas paintings can reveal their original colour, contrast and details.
How to Interpret a Vanitas Painting
The most recognisable elements of a vanitas painting often include flowers, candles, skulls and small creatures such as snakes, insects and birds. While their specific meanings can vary depending on the cultural context, key themes allow us to interpret them with a broad view. These include the following allegories and symbols…
Mortality & The Passage of Time
Skull: The most direct reminder of death and human mortality
Hourglass / Clock: The passage of time and the inevitability of death
Broken Pocket Watch: The abrupt end of life, time literally “cut short”
Extinguished Candle: The brevity and fragility of life
Burning fuse or candle wick: The rapid passing of time
Above: detail from a Vanitas still life signed by Stevers, 1630-60
Bubbles: The fleeting nature of human existence and pleasures
Wilting flowers: The decay of beauty and the passing of youth
Water dripping / spilling vessel: Time or life slipping away irreversibly
Rotting fruit: The transience of life and our eventual decay
Ripe fruit: The limitation of youth and pleasure
Books: The limits of human knowledge and the futility of worldly learning
Broken glass or mirror: The fragility of existence and the shattering of vanity
Above: The Vanity of the Artist’s Dream by Charles Bird King (1830) and Still Life with a Skull and a Writing Quill by Pieter Claesz (1628)
Wealth & Vanity
Gold, coins or jewels: Material wealth that cannot be taken beyond death
Musical instruments: Luxuries of the senses and temporal pleasure
Fine fabrics or drapery: The tactile pleasures of life that cannot be felt in death
Goblets, wine or feasts: Indulgence and the fleeting joys of life
Mirrors: Vanity, self-reflection and the deception of appearances
Cards, dice or chess pieces: Gambling, fate and the unpredictability of life
Above: detail from a Vanitas by Edwaert Collier, 1662
Knowledge & Achievement
Scientific instruments: The pursuit of human curiosity
Compass, globe or astrolabe: Human attempts to measure or control the world or cosmos, an ultimately futile endeavor
Scrolls or letters: Intellectual achievement and communication, rendered futile by death
Laurel wreaths or crowns: Perishable fame and success
Broken musical instrument (often a lute or violin): The end of harmony or joy
Broken spectacles: The limits of human perception and understanding
Above: two Vanitas paintings – by Jacques de Claeuw (1650) and Pieter Claesz (1628)
Religion & Morality
Cross or Bible: Salvation, faith, devotion and the eternal over the temporal
Smoke or extinguished flame: The spirit departing from the body
Scales: Judgment and the weighing of the soul
Crown of thorns or nails: Suffering, sacrifice and Christian redemption
Olive branch: Peace, hope or divine forgiveness
Anchor: Faith and stability amid life’s uncertainty
Above: detail from Still Life with Turkey Pie by Pieter Claesz, 1627
Animals & Insects
Butterfly: Resurrection & the transformation (metamorphosis) of the soul
Fly: Decay, corruption and the physical consequences of death
Snake: Mortality, sin and temptation
Owl: Sometimes wisdom, but can also represent night or death
Mouse or rat: Decay and physical destruction of the body
Above: detail from a Still Life with Flowers and Fruit by Balthasar van der Ast, 1620
Dead birds or game: Fragility of life, also moral commentary on hunting or vanity
Dragonfly: Transience of joy or delicate and short-lived beauty
Snail: Slow decay, mortality creeping silently away
Cat: Carnal desire, temptation or danger lurking in pleasure
Parrot: Vanity and empty chatter, a symbol of prideful mimicry
What Else to Consider
Beyond their rich symbolism, vanitas paintings can be interpreted through their composition, light and historical context. Each visual element offers clues to the artist’s intention and the philosophical message behind the artwork. When studying a painting, you can look closely at the following aspects to uncover its deeper meaning.
The Arrangement of the Objects: Consider how objects are placed. Are they balanced or chaotic, clustered or isolated? An orderly composition may represent rational control over mortality, while a more disordered layout could suggest moral decay or the unpredictability of death. The placement of key objects, such as skulls, candles or books, often mirrors the moral priorities of the artist or patron.
Chiaroscuro / Light and Shadow: Chiaroscuro is the use of light and shadow in art. Strong contrasts often symbolise moral duality such as life and death, body and soul or sin and salvation.
Perspective & Focus: The viewer’s eye path may reveal moral hierarchy. For example, the skull or cross may be positioned centrally or illuminated as a reminder of ultimate truth.
Cultural Context: Think about the era and geographic origin. For example, the Dutch Golden Age vanitas emphasised worldly wealth and Calvinist restraint but Spanish examples leaned toward religious asceticism and French works often merged vanitas with elegance and luxury. Consider the context of colonial expansion, scientific discoveries or historically important moments like the spread of plague, these would have influenced vanitas themes.
Vanitas Painting Restoration
There’s a poetic irony in conserving a vanitas oil painting. These artworks remind us that all things decay, yet through conservation, we resist that deterioration. Restoring a vanitas artwork can be seen as a dialogue with its moral message: we acknowledge impermanence while working to preserve memory and meaning for future generations. It’s a respectful act that transforms “memento mori” into “memento conservare” – remember to preserve.
Beyond the technical process, restoring this type of painting is an act of preserving philosophical meaning, artistic integrity and historical context. Vanitas works depend heavily on subtle detail, light and symbolism. All can be obscured or lost over time without professional treatment to preserve the composition.
Above: the restoration of this vanitas revealed a skull at the base of the vase that had been painted over by a previous owner
Over centuries, layers of aged varnish, dirt or smoke residue can obscure the symbolism of a vanitas painting, dulling their use of light, shadow and overall meaning. In some cases, the surface has become so dark that some aspects of the painting are missing entirely. Hidden objects can be revealed though careful testing and cleaning methods. We do not recommend that vanitas paintings be cleaned by anyone other than a trained conservator, due to their age and sensitivity.
Our team has restored many vanitas paintings over the years, many with deeply interesting messages hidden within them. Our conservators enjoy analysing these pieces, as they reconnect us with how our ancestors understood the fundamentals of life and death. We are happy to advise on conservation plans, from cleaning to tear repairs and major restoration work. Simply contact our team below and we will be in touch to discuss your artwork further.
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