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, 4 X-Rayted, Marta Zawadzka

4 X-Rayted

Marta Zawadzka

Painting - 146 x 114 x 2 cm Painting - 57.5 x 44.9 x 0.8 inch

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Painting, Skull, Rom av J.C

Skull

Rom av J.C

Painting - 112 x 100 x 5 cm Painting - 44.1 x 39.4 x 2 inch

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Painting, Calavera, Tarek

Calavera

Tarek

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

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Painting, Skull, David Le Gouar

Skull

David Le Gouar

Painting - 32 x 22 x 1 cm Painting - 12.6 x 8.7 x 0.4 inch

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Painting, Art Skull, VL.

Art Skull

VL.

Painting - 29 x 39 x 2 cm Painting - 11.4 x 15.4 x 0.8 inch

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Painting, Cuckoo, Gabriela Lukschal

Cuckoo

Gabriela Lukschal

Painting - 76 x 72 x 3 cm Painting - 29.9 x 28.3 x 1.2 inch

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Painting, After the Sphinx, Akiza

After the Sphinx

Akiza

Painting - 73 x 92 x 2 cm Painting - 28.7 x 36.2 x 0.8 inch

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Painting, Heart Skull, VL.

Heart Skull

VL.

Painting - 23.5 x 23.5 x 2 cm Painting - 9.3 x 9.3 x 0.8 inch

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Painting, Koons. Skull, VL.

Koons. Skull

VL.

Painting - 39 x 39 x 2 cm Painting - 15.4 x 15.4 x 0.8 inch

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Painting, Free Skull, VL.

Free Skull

VL.

Painting - 34 x 34 x 2 cm Painting - 13.4 x 13.4 x 0.8 inch

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Painting, Heart Skull, VL.

Heart Skull

VL.

Painting - 23.5 x 23.5 x 3 cm Painting - 9.3 x 9.3 x 1.2 inch

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Painting, Life, VL.

Life

VL.

Painting - 29 x 39 x 2 cm Painting - 11.4 x 15.4 x 0.8 inch

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Painting, Heart Skull, VL.

Heart Skull

VL.

Painting - 18 x 18 x 2 cm Painting - 7.1 x 7.1 x 0.8 inch

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Painting, Mickey Skull, VL.

Mickey Skull

VL.

Painting - 23.5 x 23.5 x 2 cm Painting - 9.3 x 9.3 x 0.8 inch

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Painting, Heart Skull, VL.

Heart Skull

VL.

Painting - 23.5 x 23.5 x 2 cm Painting - 9.3 x 9.3 x 0.8 inch

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Painting, Happy Skull, VL.

Happy Skull

VL.

Painting - 39 x 49 x 3 cm Painting - 15.4 x 19.3 x 1.2 inch

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Painting, Koons Skull, VL.

Koons Skull

VL.

Painting - 39 x 39 x 2 cm Painting - 15.4 x 15.4 x 0.8 inch

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Painting, Koons Skull, VL.

Koons Skull

VL.

Painting - 39 x 39 x 2 cm Painting - 15.4 x 15.4 x 0.8 inch

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Painting, Skullstrass Mini, VL.

Skullstrass Mini

VL.

Painting - 10 x 10 x 4 cm Painting - 3.9 x 3.9 x 1.6 inch

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Painting, Heartskull simple, VL.

Heartskull simple

VL.

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

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Painting, Heartskull 3D, VL.

Heartskull 3D

VL.

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

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Painting, Heartskull, VL.

Heartskull

VL.

Painting - 20 x 20 x 3 cm Painting - 7.9 x 7.9 x 1.2 inch

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Painting, Dollarskull, VL.

Dollarskull

VL.

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

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Painting, Mickey Skull, VL.

Mickey Skull

VL.

Painting - 49 x 39 x 2 cm Painting - 19.3 x 15.4 x 0.8 inch

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Painting, Mickey Skull, VL.

Mickey Skull

VL.

Painting - 49 x 39 x 2 cm Painting - 19.3 x 15.4 x 0.8 inch

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Painting, Skullstrass Mini, VL.

Skullstrass Mini

VL.

Painting - 10 x 10 x 4 cm Painting - 3.9 x 3.9 x 1.6 inch

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Painting, La différence 2, VL.

La différence 2

VL.

Painting - 23 x 23 x 2 cm Painting - 9.1 x 9.1 x 0.8 inch

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Painting, La différence, VL.

La différence

VL.

Painting - 23 x 23 x 2 cm Painting - 9.1 x 9.1 x 0.8 inch

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Painting, KoonsSkull blue, VL.

KoonsSkull blue

VL.

Painting - 29 x 39 x 1 cm Painting - 11.4 x 15.4 x 0.4 inch

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Painting, Mickeyskull 3D, VL.

Mickeyskull 3D

VL.

Painting - 49 x 39 x 2 cm Painting - 19.3 x 15.4 x 0.8 inch

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Painting, Heart Color, VL.

Heart Color

VL.

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

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Painting, Dollarskull, VL.

Dollarskull

VL.

Painting - 25 x 25 x 2 cm Painting - 9.8 x 9.8 x 0.8 inch

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Painting, Vintage Vibes, Sonny Assu

Vintage Vibes

Sonny Assu

Painting - 76.2 x 57.2 x 5.1 cm Painting - 30 x 22.5 x 2 inch

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Painting, Pleine Lune, Akiza

Pleine Lune

Akiza

Painting - 42 x 52 x 1 cm Painting - 16.5 x 20.5 x 0.4 inch

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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.