Vanitas Painting for Sale
Vanitas paintings are allegories of death, often depicted through still lifes made up of symbolic elements like skulls and butterflies, commonly seen in the works of Philippe Pasqua and Ludo. These works can be vibrant and colorful, like those of Laurence Chiche, or more subdued, as seen in the pieces by Bryan Ley. Other artists, such as Tarek, Skepa, and Ykstreetart, simplify the motif, while artists like Alain Rodier create more detailed representations. Vanitas artworks are generally accompanied by objects linked to death, whether traditionally or personally by the artist. Some artists, like Stan, multiply the motif, while others, such as Eric Liot and Takeru Amano, reinterpret the vanitas concept.
Explore our selection of vanitas paintings now and discover captivating works that capture the essence of this artistic theme. These works invite reflection on life’s impermanence, offering a unique fusion of artistic skill and profound symbolism. Whether through bold contrasts or subtle tones, vanitas paintings continue to captivate art lovers and collectors. Discover how contemporary vanitas artists reimagine this age-old tradition by experimenting with innovative mediums, incorporating urban influences, and blending traditional symbols with modern techniques. Explore Artsper's selection of vanitas paintings to add an emotionally charged and thought-provoking piece to your collection, and immerse yourself in the world of contemporary memento mori.
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Estudio del cerebro humano según el sistema de frenología, c. 1902
Montserrat Tobella Bosch
Painting - 46 x 38 x 1.5 cm Painting - 18.1 x 15 x 0.6 inch
€2,912
Cerises en tyrolienne
Jean-Pierre Walter
Painting - 12.7 x 12.7 x 0.5 cm Painting - 5 x 5 x 0.2 inch
€260
Le temps suspendu
Jean-Pierre Walter
Painting - 16 x 16 x 0.5 cm Painting - 6.3 x 6.3 x 0.2 inch
€300
Cœur de fraise
Jean-Pierre Walter
Painting - 15.3 x 12.4 x 0.5 cm Painting - 6 x 4.9 x 0.2 inch
€280
Le voyage de Miss D
Anne-Marie Vesco
Painting - 8.04 x 8.04 x 0.07 cm Painting - 3.2 x 3.2 x 0 inch
€400
The Dominance of Evil
Matheo Delalle
Painting - 100 x 70 x 3 cm Painting - 39.4 x 27.6 x 1.2 inch
€2,650
Burden of change
Matheo Delalle
Painting - 120 x 100 x 3 cm Painting - 47.2 x 39.4 x 1.2 inch
€3,050
El Diablo
María José Franco Maldonado
Painting - 27 x 17 x 0.3 cm Painting - 10.6 x 6.7 x 0.1 inch
€343
Brainstorming à la crème
Marc Felten
Painting - 50 x 50 x 6 cm Painting - 19.7 x 19.7 x 2.4 inch
€2,000
Amazing World of Ghosts
Anand Manchiraju
Painting - 66 x 111.8 x 0.3 cm Painting - 26 x 44 x 0.1 inch
€5,565
Himalayan resort
Anand Manchiraju
Painting - 76.2 x 101.6 x 0.3 cm Painting - 30 x 40 x 0.1 inch
€5,565
El jardín de la muerte
Angelica Briones
Painting - 91.4 x 121.9 x 3.81 cm Painting - 36 x 48 x 1.5 inch
€11,150
La vanité de l'existence
Céline Achour
Painting - 24 x 19 x 2 cm Painting - 9.4 x 7.5 x 0.8 inch
€220
Aurum Hortensis
Angela Morris-Winmill
Painting - 80 x 80 x 1 cm Painting - 31.5 x 31.5 x 0.4 inch
€1,549
Destruction of humanity
Aziz Anzabi
Painting - 102 x 102 x 4 cm Painting - 40.2 x 40.2 x 1.6 inch
€12,000
Looking like the moon
Adrien Conrad
Painting - 100 x 80 x 2 cm Painting - 39.4 x 31.5 x 0.8 inch
€2,400
Sa Place dans le Monde
Loran Meldrid
Painting - 73 x 92 x 2 cm Painting - 28.7 x 36.2 x 0.8 inch
€1,000
Life, Death, and Tulips
Lena Applebaum
Painting - 180 x 140 x 3 cm Painting - 70.9 x 55.1 x 1.2 inch
€10,531
Donald T. Carotte
Baptiste Laurent
Painting - 168 x 128 x 0.3 cm Painting - 66.1 x 50.4 x 0.1 inch
Sold
Un jour parmi d'autres II
Cécile Duchêne-Malissin
Painting - 73 x 60 x 3 cm Painting - 28.7 x 23.6 x 1.2 inch
Sold
Fleur de toussaint
Cécile Duchêne-Malissin
Painting - 20 x 20 x 5 cm Painting - 7.9 x 7.9 x 2 inch
Sold
Vanité rouge aux papillons gris
Philippe Pasqua
Painting - 40 x 30 x 1 cm Painting - 15.7 x 11.8 x 0.4 inch
Sold
Sans titre
Jean-Michel Lourenço
Painting - 45.5 x 37 x 0.5 cm Painting - 17.9 x 14.6 x 0.2 inch
Sold
In a diamond crown
Marta Zawadzka
Painting - 130 x 130 x 2 cm Painting - 51.2 x 51.2 x 0.8 inch
Sold
Discover the styles & movements
Discover the selection of our experts
We Are All The Same / SAMOURAÏ
Insane 51
Painting - 135 x 135 x 3 cm Painting - 53.1 x 53.1 x 1.2 inch
€14,500
Cheri Samba - J'aime la couleur
The Skateroom
Design - 80 x 20 x 2 cm Design - 31.5 x 7.9 x 0.8 inch
€1,512
Vanité 03
Philippe Pasqua
Fine Art Drawings - 230 x 200 x 1 cm Fine Art Drawings - 90.6 x 78.7 x 0.4 inch
€40,000
Vanity tribute to Andy
Ron English
Sculpture - 68 x 54 x 45 cm Sculpture - 26.8 x 21.3 x 17.7 inch
€13,500
Nous ne sommes pas les derniers
Zoran Music
Fine Art Drawings - 73 x 54 cm Fine Art Drawings - 28.7 x 21.3 inch
€70,000
Need help with Vanitas Painting ?
What is a vanitas painting and what are its key features?
A vanitas painting is a type of still life artwork that originated in the 16th and 17th centuries. It typically features objects such as skulls, hourglasses, and wilting flowers, which symbolize the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. Other common elements include books, musical instruments, and mirrors, which represent knowledge, pleasure, and vanity, respectively. The overall message of a vanitas painting is to remind viewers of the transience of earthly pleasures and the importance of spiritual contemplation.
What was the purpose of vanitas paintings and what message did they convey?
Vanitas paintings were created to remind viewers of the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. They often featured symbols such as skulls, hourglasses, and wilting flowers to convey this message. The purpose was to encourage viewers to reflect on the transience of earthly pleasures and focus on spiritual and moral values.
Who were some of the most famous artists known for creating vanitas paintings and what were their contributions to the genre?
Some of the most famous artists known for creating vanitas paintings include Pieter Claesz, Willem Claesz Heda, and Harmen Steenwyck. They contributed to the genre by creating still life paintings that depicted the transience of life and the inevitability of death, often featuring symbols such as skulls, hourglasses, and extinguished candles.