VANITAS ART

- Definition >>>
- Iconography & Symbolism >>>
- Tips from the Artist >>>

The following objects recur often in vanitas pieces. Pay close attention to these items as they have special symbolic significance:

- Mirrors
- Skulls
- Bones
- Flickering Candles
- Soap Bubbles
- Smoke
- pipes
- Certain flowers
- Certain fruit
- Certain vegetables
- Some plants
- Red wine
- Bread
- Tattered Books
- Maps
- Jewelry
- Broken Pots and Crockery
- Shells
- Certain insects & animals
- Time pieces
- The Hour Glass
- Sun Dials
- Musical Instruments
- Weapons
- Cards, dice, and other games of chance
- & more ...

To learn more about the artist's use of iconography
read the artist's free artist's free tips >>>