Vanitas Still Life
The Met
Artist: Jacques de Gheyn II(Netherlandish, Antwerp 1565–1629 The Hague)
Date: 1603
Department: European Paintings
Classification: Paintings
Medium: Oil on wood
Dimensions: 32 1/2 x 21 1/4 in. (82.6 x 54 cm)
Credit Line: Charles B. Curtis, Marquand, Victor Wilbour Memorial, and The Alfred N. Punnett Endowment Funds, 1974
Visual Descriptions
AI GeneratedVisual Summary
Brief Description
A human skull below a reflective orb, flanked by a tulip, coins, and two draped figures
Detailed Description
A vertical painting in muted browns, grays, and deep reds features an arched niche at the top. Within the niche, a large, dark, circular reflective surface, possibly a mirror or orb, shows a faint, lighter shape in its reflection. Above the arch, the faint inscription "OMNIA VANITAS" is visible. On either side of the arch, two draped, light-brown figures are depicted in relief or as statues. The figure on the left points towards the orb, while the figure on the right leans forward. Centered horizontally below the orb is a realistic human skull, facing forward with dark eye sockets and visible teeth in its slightly open jaw. The skull rests on a dark, textured surface. Below the skull, a scattered pile of gold and silver coins lies on a dark ledge. To the far left, a tall, slender silver vase holds a single red and yellow striped tulip with green leaves and a small white flower at its base. To the far right, a similar silver vase or goblet is visible, appearing empty. In the bottom left corner, a circular gold medallion with two profile busts is depicted, and in the bottom right corner, another circular gold medallion with an emblem is shown.
Generated by gemini-2.5-flash
