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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Cerveaux de petits mammifères
Stéphane Belzère
Painting - 24 x 42 x 1 cm Painting - 9.4 x 16.5 x 0.4 inch
€2,500
L'araldica immaginaria
Alexander Daniloff
Painting - 52 x 17.5 x 0.2 cm Painting - 20.5 x 6.9 x 0.1 inch
€260
Fuicura palabra de dio destina el mío amazonas
Walter Barrientos
Painting - 77 x 110 cm Painting - 30.3 x 43.3 inch
€1,000
The Bride of Frankenstein
Carlos Olmo
Painting - 27 x 19 x 2 cm Painting - 10.6 x 7.5 x 0.8 inch
€400
Gliding on waves
Anne Ravliuc Bloomfield
Painting - 59.9 x 97 x 3 cm Painting - 23.6 x 38.2 x 1.2 inch
€2,238
L'auto-stoppeur
Gérard Willemenot
Painting - 30 x 43 x 1 cm Painting - 11.8 x 16.9 x 0.4 inch
€6,800
Never Settle for Less 1
Akande John
Painting - 121.9 x 91.4 x 2.5 cm Painting - 48 x 36 x 1 inch
€2,782
Mémoire du Temps n°75
Anne-Marie Mary
Painting - 20 x 20 x 2 cm Painting - 7.9 x 7.9 x 0.8 inch
€350
Mémoire du Temps n°76
Anne-Marie Mary
Painting - 20 x 20 x 2 cm Painting - 7.9 x 7.9 x 0.8 inch
€350
Sans titre
Jean-Michel Lourenço
Painting - 100 x 100 x 3 cm Painting - 39.4 x 39.4 x 1.2 inch
€1,150
I Can't Recall It Lightly At All
B.D. White
Painting - 55.9 x 66 x 5.1 cm Painting - 22 x 26 x 2 inch
€4,591
Portrait - Paradise with Happiness and Sadness
Guoyi Liu
Painting - 120 x 150 x 4 cm Painting - 47.2 x 59.1 x 1.6 inch
€12,000
All Knowing by Johnathan Ball
Johnathan Ball
Painting - 44.5 x 36.8 cm Painting - 17.5 x 14.5 inch
€1,206
Morning in Venice
Ahn Sung Kyu
Painting - 80.3 x 80.3 x 3 cm Painting - 31.6 x 31.6 x 1.2 inch
€6,900
Crocevia nel Bosco
Matteo Nannini
Painting - 100 x 150 x 3 cm Painting - 39.4 x 59.1 x 1.2 inch
€5,600
Barco negro
Jean-Michel Lourenço
Painting - 100 x 81 x 2 cm Painting - 39.4 x 31.9 x 0.8 inch
€1,100
Portrait of an Elderly Gentleman.
Igor Shulman
Painting - 115.3 x 150.1 x 5.1 cm Painting - 45.4 x 59.1 x 2 inch
€6,028
Oiseau de mauvais augure
Petrus Von Tricht
Painting - 90 x 73 x 1 cm Painting - 35.4 x 28.7 x 0.4 inch
€1,600
Le prophète des oiseaux 1979 Prophet of birds COLLECTION LUBJANA MUSEUM, SLOVENIA
Joze Ciuha
Painting - 86 x 96 x 0.3 cm Painting - 33.9 x 37.8 x 0.1 inch
€18,500
Pension Fund
Anastasiia Grygorieva
Painting - 100 x 100 x 2 cm Painting - 39.4 x 39.4 x 0.8 inch
€2,782
Love you forever and ever
Gardani Art
Painting - 101.6 x 101.6 x 2.5 cm Painting - 40 x 40 x 1 inch
€3,431
Discover the styles & movements
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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
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.