There is a tradition, going back to the Romans, of ensuring that we never get too big for our boots by being reminded of our mortality. In Ancient Rome, as a General celebrated his latest victory, this reminder took the form of a chant which basically said ‘well done. But remember you’re just a man and you’ll be dead yourself soon enough!’
The idea of the Momento Mori or reminder of death is seen throughout all cultures and religions. Some, such as the Mexican ‘Day of the Dead’, is more about remembering the deceased and celebrating their lives. The festival is full of colour, gifts, flowers and brightly painted papier maché skulls and sugar skulls and probably dates back to 2,500 to 3,000 years ago. Originally celebrated in the summer, it was moved with the arrival of the Spanish to come into line with the Christian festivals of All Saints Day (1st November) and All Hallow’s (Holy Ones/Saints) Eve (31st October) – now, more commonly, known as Halloween.
The Christian Church had its own take on the Momento Mori – as a warning to live a good life lest you be damned in the afterlife – and it became a pictorial symbol in illuminated manuscripts, tomb decoration and architecture. A common image was that of a wealthy individual being portrayed as a decayed corpse or the Grim Reaper carrying off rich and poor alike showing death as the great leveller. The sins of greed, gluttony and avarice were particularly targeted and the accumulation of wealth and love of earthly pleasures became the central theme in Momento Mori still life paintings known as ‘Vanitas’.
This Harmen Steenwyck Vanitas Still Life is typical of the genre. The books symbolise human knowledge, the musical instruments and the vine are the pleasures of the senses and the Japanese sword and the shell, both collectors’ rarities, symbolise wealth. The expiring lamp alludes to the shortness and frailty of human life and all are dominated by the skull, the symbol of death.