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, London Calling, Tarek

Tarek

Painting . 20 x 20 x 2 cm Painting . 7.9 x 7.9 x 0.8 inch

€150

Painting, What Else, Tarek

Tarek

Painting . 20 x 20 x 2 cm Painting . 7.9 x 7.9 x 0.8 inch

€150

Painting, Skull Art, Tarek

Tarek

Painting . 24 x 14 x 2 cm Painting . 9.4 x 5.5 x 0.8 inch

€140

Painting, Life, Tarek

Tarek

Painting . 24 x 14 x 2 cm Painting . 9.4 x 5.5 x 0.8 inch

€140

Painting, Memento mori, Tarek

Tarek

Painting . 24 x 14 x 2 cm Painting . 9.4 x 5.5 x 0.8 inch

€140

Painting, Celine, Carlos Olmo

Carlos Olmo

Painting . 176 x 120 x 0.5 cm Painting . 69.3 x 47.2 x 0.2 inch

€1,500

Painting, A Tribe, Tarek

Tarek

Painting . 46 x 55 x 2 cm Painting . 18.1 x 21.7 x 0.8 inch

€850

Painting, Lady vamp, Inga Makarova

Inga Makarova

Painting . 80 x 60 x 3 cm Painting . 31.5 x 23.6 x 1.2 inch

€2,750

Painting, Together forever, Liubou Sas

Liubou Sas

Painting . 72 x 90 x 3 cm Painting . 28.3 x 35.4 x 1.2 inch

€4,600

Painting, 110M Skull basquiat, PyB

PyB

Painting . 20 x 20 x 2 cm Painting . 7.9 x 7.9 x 0.8 inch

€120

Painting, Crane  logos, PyB

PyB

Painting . 20 x 20 x 2 cm Painting . 7.9 x 7.9 x 0.8 inch

€120

Painting, Skull logos, PyB

PyB

Painting . 30 x 30 x 2 cm Painting . 11.8 x 11.8 x 0.8 inch

€190

Painting, 110M basquiat, PyB

PyB

Painting . 30 x 30 x 2 cm Painting . 11.8 x 11.8 x 0.8 inch

€190

Painting, Le Roi, Tarek

Tarek

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

€780

Painting, Crâne, Catherine Rens

Catherine Rens

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

€900

Painting, Cows 7, Bill Stone

Bill Stone

Painting . 91.4 x 121.9 x 3.8 cm Painting . 36 x 48 x 1.5 inch

€3,205

Painting, Cosmic Dogs, Inga Makarova

Inga Makarova

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

€7,000

Painting, Indians, Tarek

Tarek

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

€6,300

Painting, Dead Hornet, Igor Galan

Igor Galan

Painting . 12 x 13 x 2 cm Painting . 4.7 x 5.1 x 0.8 inch

€550

Painting, Reborn, Mama G

Mama G

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

€5,500

Painting, Saint Laurent, Carlos Olmo

Carlos Olmo

Painting . 176 x 120 x 0.5 cm Painting . 69.3 x 47.2 x 0.2 inch

€1,500

Painting, Dead, Mr Popart

Mr Popart

Painting . 80 x 80 x 3.5 cm Painting . 31.5 x 31.5 x 1.4 inch

€980

Painting, Pox II, Michael Grine

Michael Grine

Painting . 15.2 x 10.2 x 2.5 cm Painting . 6 x 4 x 1 inch

€271

Painting, Move III, Michael Grine

Michael Grine

Painting . 27.9 x 35.6 x 0 cm Painting . 11 x 14 x 0.01 inch

€271

Painting, Tina Turner, Carlos Olmo

Carlos Olmo

Painting . 125 x 84.5 x 2 cm Painting . 49.2 x 33.3 x 0.8 inch

€1,800

Painting, Ossements, Jürg Kreienbühl

Jürg Kreienbühl

Painting . 26 x 100 x 3 cm Painting . 10.2 x 39.4 x 1.2 inch

€8,200

Painting, Chiave, Alexander Daniloff

Alexander Daniloff

Painting . 34 x 22 x 0.2 cm Painting . 13.4 x 8.7 x 0.1 inch

€230

Painting, Saint Jerome, Oleg Litvinov

Oleg Litvinov

Painting . 42 x 32 x 2 cm Painting . 16.5 x 12.6 x 0.8 inch

€650

Painting, Hope is Dope, Carlos Olmo

Carlos Olmo

Painting . 107 x 146 x 2 cm Painting . 42.1 x 57.5 x 0.8 inch

€3,500

Painting, Empty Bed, Ya-Wei Li

Ya-Wei Li

Painting . 86 x 110 x 4 cm Painting . 33.9 x 43.3 x 1.6 inch

€4,600

Painting, Pop your balloon, Niko Remes

Niko Remes

Painting . 120 x 180 x 3 cm Painting . 47.2 x 70.9 x 1.2 inch

€4,550

Painting, Free skull, VL.

VL.

Painting . 40 x 40 x 3 cm Painting . 15.7 x 15.7 x 1.2 inch

€200

Painting, Skull, Tarek

Tarek

Painting . 20 x 20 x 2 cm Painting . 7.9 x 7.9 x 0.8 inch

€160

Painting, The Kiss, Carlos Olmo

Carlos Olmo

Painting . 130 x 97 x 2 cm Painting . 51.2 x 38.2 x 0.8 inch

€3,500

Painting, Catacombes, Tarek

Tarek

Painting . 20 x 20 x 2 cm Painting . 7.9 x 7.9 x 0.8 inch

€150

Painting, Awakening, Mama G

Mama G

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

€5,450

Painting, Heart Skull confettis, VL.

VL.

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

€100

Painting, Heart Skull, VL.

VL.

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

€100

Painting, Party Rosé Party, Alex Jul

Alex Jul

Painting . 120 x 180 x 3 cm Painting . 47.2 x 70.9 x 1.2 inch

€7,500

Painting, Amy Winehouse, Carlos Olmo

Carlos Olmo

Painting . 130 x 97 x 2 cm Painting . 51.2 x 38.2 x 0.8 inch

€3,500

Painting, Keud II, Alex Jul

Alex Jul

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

€4,000

Painting, Skull, Karl-Karol Chrobok

Karl-Karol Chrobok

Painting . 70 x 51 x 0.3 cm Painting . 27.6 x 20.1 x 0.1 inch

€825

Painting, Keud I, Alex Jul

Alex Jul

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

€4,000

Painting, Rosa Parks, Carlos Olmo

Carlos Olmo

Painting . 140 x 210 x 2.5 cm Painting . 55.1 x 82.7 x 1 inch

€5,000

Painting, Ziggy, Johnathan Ball

Johnathan Ball

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

€15,797

Painting, Vanité, Elise Barat

Elise Barat

Painting . 97 x 130 x 2 cm Painting . 38.2 x 51.2 x 0.8 inch

€1,300

Painting, Kurt Kobain, Carlos Olmo

Carlos Olmo

Painting . 27 x 19 x 2 cm Painting . 10.6 x 7.5 x 0.8 inch

€400

Painting, Prince, Carlos Olmo

Carlos Olmo

Painting . 27 x 19 x 2 cm Painting . 10.6 x 7.5 x 0.8 inch

€400

Painting, The Pogues, Carlos Olmo

Carlos Olmo

Painting . 27 x 19 x 2 cm Painting . 10.6 x 7.5 x 0.8 inch

€400

Painting, Morrissey, Carlos Olmo

Carlos Olmo

Painting . 27 x 19 x 2 cm Painting . 10.6 x 7.5 x 0.8 inch

€400

Painting, Björk, Carlos Olmo

Carlos Olmo

Painting . 27 x 19 x 2 cm Painting . 10.6 x 7.5 x 0.8 inch

€400

Painting, Madonna, Carlos Olmo

Carlos Olmo

Painting . 27 x 19 x 2 cm Painting . 10.6 x 7.5 x 0.8 inch

€400

Painting, ACDC, Carlos Olmo

Carlos Olmo

Painting . 27 x 19 x 2 cm Painting . 10.6 x 7.5 x 0.8 inch

€400

Painting, MARILYN MONROE, Carlos Olmo

Carlos Olmo

Painting . 27 x 19 x 2 cm Painting . 10.6 x 7.5 x 0.8 inch

€400

Painting, The smile, SP

SP

Painting . 70 x 50 x 1 cm Painting . 27.6 x 19.7 x 0.4 inch

€699

Painting, Dimanche, Karo Trass

Karo Trass

Painting . 83 x 45 x 3 cm Painting . 32.7 x 17.7 x 1.2 inch

€350

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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.