Vanitas paintings are symbolic, strongly linked to the bible and coincides to the meaningless of life. The paintings, human life by Harmen Steenwyk and Audrey Flack may seem different from each other but both both portray the same message in through two very different ensembles of objects.
'Still Life: An Allegory of the Vanities of Human Life' by Harmen Steenwyck is a typical example of a Dutch 'Vanitas' painting. Harmen steenwyck mostly painted fruits so this painting is a lot different to his usual still life paintings but is one of his most well known. From what I see it is almost like a religious work in the form of a still life, the painting contains many hidden meanings for example for example the books that have been painted in middle-ground, …show more content…
The stoneware jar is said to contain water and oil both are symbolic elements that show the basics of life, and reminds us that we thoroughly rely on these humble sources. If you look closely, you can make out the faint figure of a bust said to me the roman emperor (made visible by the translucency of the oil paint), this reveals that Steenwyck changed his mind during the creative process which is a common occurrence but to leave it in the painting visibly is not common and I think it may have been left to support the “humble sources” message Harmen wanted to convey. The samurai shows Military power, Beautiful and deadly weapon. I think that it is a possible hint of the potential punishment in hell and also shows early fascinations of the west with japan. The purple silk cloth is an illustration of physical luxury. Silk is the finest of all materials, and purple was the most expensive …show more content…
Marilyn Munroe died unexpectedly due to a “drug overdose” I say it in adverted commas as it is believed the scene was staged, detectives revisited the case and believe she was murdered. Marilyn is a symbol of timeless beauty and feminism.
Breaking down this painting there are a few things you can assume. First, the symbols of death: the calendar, and the clock all refer to the passing of time, the calendar and clock show the exact date and time Marilyn died. These objects also remind us that our days are numbered and to not take it for granted as life can be taken away from us in a second so don’t waste a moment of it I think it also portrays a butter message that beauty isn’t everything, and that we all die
'Still Life: An Allegory of the Vanities of Human Life' by Harmen Steenwyck is a typical example of a Dutch 'Vanitas' painting. Harmen steenwyck mostly painted fruits so this painting is a lot different to his usual still life paintings but is one of his most well known. From what I see it is almost like a religious work in the form of a still life, the painting contains many hidden meanings for example for example the books that have been painted in middle-ground, …show more content…
The stoneware jar is said to contain water and oil both are symbolic elements that show the basics of life, and reminds us that we thoroughly rely on these humble sources. If you look closely, you can make out the faint figure of a bust said to me the roman emperor (made visible by the translucency of the oil paint), this reveals that Steenwyck changed his mind during the creative process which is a common occurrence but to leave it in the painting visibly is not common and I think it may have been left to support the “humble sources” message Harmen wanted to convey. The samurai shows Military power, Beautiful and deadly weapon. I think that it is a possible hint of the potential punishment in hell and also shows early fascinations of the west with japan. The purple silk cloth is an illustration of physical luxury. Silk is the finest of all materials, and purple was the most expensive …show more content…
Marilyn Munroe died unexpectedly due to a “drug overdose” I say it in adverted commas as it is believed the scene was staged, detectives revisited the case and believe she was murdered. Marilyn is a symbol of timeless beauty and feminism.
Breaking down this painting there are a few things you can assume. First, the symbols of death: the calendar, and the clock all refer to the passing of time, the calendar and clock show the exact date and time Marilyn died. These objects also remind us that our days are numbered and to not take it for granted as life can be taken away from us in a second so don’t waste a moment of it I think it also portrays a butter message that beauty isn’t everything, and that we all die