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, Soon, MET_Art

Soon

MET_Art

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

$3,109

Painting, Cosmic Dogs, Inga Makarova

Cosmic Dogs

Inga Makarova

Painting - 149 x 149 x 4.5 cm Painting - 58.7 x 58.7 x 1.8 inch

$8,304

Painting, La Calavera, Tarek

La Calavera

Tarek

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

$415

Painting, Indians, Tarek

Indians

Tarek

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

$7,474

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

$830

Painting, Heart Skull, VL.

Heart Skull

VL.

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

$119 $101

Painting, FlowerSkull, VL.

FlowerSkull

VL.

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

$83

Painting, Reborn, Mama G

Reborn

Mama G

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

$6,525

Painting, Awakening, Mama G

Awakening

Mama G

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

$6,466

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

$688

Painting, Cat skull, VL.

Cat skull

VL.

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

$119

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

$95

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

$356

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

$356

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

$356

Painting, Boo # 1, Odin Pigelet

Boo # 1

Odin Pigelet

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

$95

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

$190

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

$4,745

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

$4,745

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

$1,483

Painting, Diablero, Loran Meldrid

Diablero

Loran Meldrid

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

$1,424

Painting, Manifeste, Nadja B.

Manifeste

Nadja B.

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

$1,068

Painting, Paien, Loran Meldrid

Paien

Loran Meldrid

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

$2,254

Painting, Acéphale, Loran Meldrid

Acéphale

Loran Meldrid

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

$1,424

Painting, Lussiiii, Franck Lobbé

Lussiiii

Franck Lobbé

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

$415

Painting, Crâne, Catherine Rens

Crâne

Catherine Rens

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

$1,068

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, Mythology, Rom av J.C

Mythology

Rom av J.C

Painting - 83 x 63 x 3 cm Painting - 32.7 x 24.8 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

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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.