The Symbolism in Vanitas Paintings
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14456/sbjfa.2023.2Keywords:
Symbolism, Still life painting, Vanitas painting, Painting of Dutch golden ageAbstract
The qualitative research on the symbolism in Vanitas paintings aims to study the meaning of symbols in Vanitas paintings and classify them. The study is based on still life paintings that depict the concept of Vanitas by 17th-century Dutch painters and the analysis of supporting documents. It is found that Vanitas paintings often represent the temporary nature of earthly life and reflect concerns about the existence of life, happiness, enjoyment, fame, knowledge, wealth, and worldly power. At the same time, there are also symbolic images of Christ showing the way to salvation. These symbols are related to the Dutch economy, culture, and Protestantism, which is their religious belief, and they demonstrate a balance between secularism and religion. The works are remarkable because they are a semiotic reminder of the impermanence of things, in contrast to the enchanting representations of beautiful objects. The symbols in Vanitas paintings can be categorized into three groups based on their symbolic meanings: 1. Transient Life and Death, 2. Earthly Existence, and 3. Resurrection.
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