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Vanitas

Scope note

Use for still lifes in which the objects depicted are reminders of mortality, the transcience of human life, and the ultimate worthlessness of earthly possessions, such as hourglasses, scales, mirrors, skulls, and symbols of wealth, learning, and power such as jewels, books, and armor; especially popular in 17th century Dutch painting.

Term type

AAT
Motif

Getty AAT term number

3000249151

Broader Terms used

still lifes

Created

13yrs ago

Citation for print

This page can be cited in the Harvard Bibliographic style using the text below:

The Fitzwilliam Museum (2024) "Terminology definition for: Vanitas" Web page available at: https://collection.beta.fitz.ms/id/terminology/term-98183 Accessed: 2024-12-19 00:07:40

Citation for Wikipedia

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{{cite web|url=https://collection.beta.fitz.ms/id/terminology/term-98183|title=Terminology definition for: Vanitas|author=The Fitzwilliam Museum|accessdate=2024-12-19 00:07:40|publisher=The University of Cambridge}}

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