Vanitas

In All, Assemblages by Mark Evans

Vanitas is my first assemblage for a while.  It is comprised of a deep wood frame with mirrors, a miniature gilded tabernacle frame and skulls carved from reindeer antlers in Bali floating in clear resin.

 

Vanitas is the name for paintings and other artwork done in the early to late renaissance into the baroque that represent the ephemeral nature of youth, luxury and pleasure.  Such things are temporary and its important to remember that death and decay come to all things.  Cheery, huh?  But the contrast of the voluptuous present with the ugliness of the future is and was a cautionary story.  The most important truth was that all persons should live for today but remember the all things pass and we should all prepare for the next chapter in our journey.  Great and beautiful art resulted in artists being inspired by contemplating this inevitability.

This piece is about 17 by 9 inches in size.  It is currently in my studio waiting to be shipped to one of my showrooms.  If you are interested contact me directly.

Jewelry for walls.

 

A classic Dutch Vanitas from 17th century.  The artist is unknown.  What is startlingly original in this painting is that the skull is positioned to gaze at its reflection.

The Penitent Magdalen painted by George De La Tour in 1640. A master of painting night scenes, the Magdalen contemplates the inevitability of death and the hereafter by the light of one candle.

A vanitas by Paul Cezanne painted in 1894.