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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Painting, La Calavera, Tarek

La Calavera

Tarek

Painting - 30 x 23 x 3 cm Painting - 11.8 x 9.1 x 1.2 inch

$409

Painting, Indians, Tarek

Indians

Tarek

Painting - 100 x 100 x 4 cm Painting - 39.4 x 39.4 x 1.6 inch

$7,371

Painting, Ziggy, Johnathan Ball

Ziggy

Johnathan Ball

Painting - 121.9 x 91.4 cm Painting - 48 x 36 inch

$8,700

Painting, R.Ducasse, Alex Jul

R.Ducasse

Alex Jul

Painting - 22 x 25 x 5 cm Painting - 8.7 x 9.8 x 2 inch

$819

Painting, Reborn, Mama G

Reborn

Mama G

Painting - 51 x 40 x 3 cm Painting - 20.1 x 15.7 x 1.2 inch

$6,435

Painting, Awakening, Mama G

Awakening

Mama G

Painting - 50 x 40 x 3 cm Painting - 19.7 x 15.7 x 1.2 inch

$6,376

Painting, Heart Skull, VL.

Heart Skull

VL.

Painting - 21 x 21 x 4 cm Painting - 8.3 x 8.3 x 1.6 inch

$117 $105

Painting, FlowerSkull, VL.

FlowerSkull

VL.

Painting - 20 x 20 x 4 cm Painting - 7.9 x 7.9 x 1.6 inch

$82

Painting, Sin título, Alex Jul

Sin título

Alex Jul

Painting - 25 x 23 x 1.5 cm Painting - 9.8 x 9.1 x 0.6 inch

$679

Painting, Tête de mort, Bat'Art

Tête de mort

Bat'Art

Painting - 26 x 24 x 2 cm Painting - 10.2 x 9.4 x 0.8 inch

$351 $316

Painting, Tête de mort, Bat'Art

Tête de mort

Bat'Art

Painting - 26 x 26 x 2 cm Painting - 10.2 x 10.2 x 0.8 inch

$351

Painting, Cat skull, VL.

Cat skull

VL.

Painting - 21 x 21 x 4 cm Painting - 8.3 x 8.3 x 1.6 inch

$117

Painting, Boo boss 1, Odin Pigelet

Boo boss 1

Odin Pigelet

Painting - 28 x 28 x 0.1 cm Painting - 11 x 11 x 0 inch

$94

Painting, Tête de mort, Bat'Art

Tête de mort

Bat'Art

Painting - 26 x 26 x 2 cm Painting - 10.2 x 10.2 x 0.8 inch

$351

Painting, Boo # 1, Odin Pigelet

Boo # 1

Odin Pigelet

Painting - 28 x 28 x 0.1 cm Painting - 11 x 11 x 0 inch

$94

Painting, Sunny bones, Rom 1

Sunny bones

Rom 1

Painting - 46 x 33 x 2 cm Painting - 18.1 x 13 x 0.8 inch

$187 $168

Painting, Keud II, Alex Jul

Keud II

Alex Jul

Painting - 122 x 117 x 4 cm Painting - 48 x 46.1 x 1.6 inch

$4,680

Painting, Keud I, Alex Jul

Keud I

Alex Jul

Painting - 117 x 122 x 4 cm Painting - 46.1 x 48 x 1.6 inch

$4,680

Painting, Fashion addict, Le Closier

Fashion addict

Le Closier

Painting - 101 x 76 x 2 cm Painting - 39.8 x 29.9 x 0.8 inch

$1,462

Painting, Me come, Aya So

Me come

Aya So

Painting - 100 x 120 x 0.7 cm Painting - 39.4 x 47.2 x 0.3 inch

$4,212

Painting, Manifeste, Nadja B.

Manifeste

Nadja B.

Painting - 50 x 100 x 3 cm Painting - 19.7 x 39.4 x 1.2 inch

$1,053

Painting, Diablero, Loran Meldrid

Diablero

Loran Meldrid

Painting - 100 x 81 x 2 cm Painting - 39.4 x 31.9 x 0.8 inch

$1,404

Painting, Paien, Loran Meldrid

Paien

Loran Meldrid

Painting - 130 x 97 x 3 cm Painting - 51.2 x 38.2 x 1.2 inch

$2,223

Painting, Acéphale, Loran Meldrid

Acéphale

Loran Meldrid

Painting - 100 x 81 x 2 cm Painting - 39.4 x 31.9 x 0.8 inch

$1,404

Painting, Lussiiii, Franck Lobbé

Lussiiii

Franck Lobbé

Painting - 50 x 50 x 3 cm Painting - 19.7 x 19.7 x 1.2 inch

$409

Painting, Crâne, Catherine Rens

Crâne

Catherine Rens

Painting - 90 x 90 x 4 cm Painting - 35.4 x 35.4 x 1.6 inch

$1,053

Painting, Queen, Marta Zawadzka

Queen

Marta Zawadzka

Painting - 150 x 120 x 2 cm Painting - 59.1 x 47.2 x 0.8 inch

Sold

Painting, Skull and bones, Tarek

Skull and bones

Tarek

Painting - 40 x 40 x 2 cm Painting - 15.7 x 15.7 x 0.8 inch

Sold

Painting, The King, Spaco

The King

Spaco

Painting - 46 x 38 x 3 cm Painting - 18.1 x 15 x 1.2 inch

Sold

Painting, Nyx, Yoann Merienne

Nyx

Yoann Merienne

Painting - 200 x 140 x 3 cm Painting - 78.7 x 55.1 x 1.2 inch

Sold

Painting, Pop Scene, Mr Brainwash

Pop Scene

Mr Brainwash

Painting - 148 x 148 x 1 cm Painting - 58.3 x 58.3 x 0.4 inch

Sold

Painting, Smile, Marta Zawadzka

Smile

Marta Zawadzka

Painting - 140 x 100 x 2 cm Painting - 55.1 x 39.4 x 0.8 inch

Sold

Painting, Snow queen, Marta Zawadzka

Snow queen

Marta Zawadzka

Painting - 150 x 120 x 2 cm Painting - 59.1 x 47.2 x 0.8 inch

Sold

Painting, Eva, Marta Zawadzka

Eva

Marta Zawadzka

Painting - 120 x 120 x 2 cm Painting - 47.2 x 47.2 x 0.8 inch

Sold

Painting, Indian#2, Hope 1393

Indian#2

Hope 1393

Painting - 89 x 146 x 2.5 cm Painting - 35 x 57.5 x 1 inch

Sold

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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.