Vanity (vanitas) (vaidade)

The Latin word “vanitas” means “empty”. That’s why it is connected to the idea of insignificance and vanity of earthly life. In the Bible (Ecclesiastes 1:2) there’s the expression “vanity of vanities! All is vanity”. This type of work of art is included in the style “still life”. In the 16th century it was associated with “Ars moriendi”, “Memento mori” and “Dance of Death”, which included skulls.


Em latim a palavra “vanitas” significa vazio. Por isso lhe atribuem a insignificância e vaidade da vida terrena. Na Bíblia (Eclesiastes 1, 2) surge a expressão “vaidade das vaidades! Tudo é vaidade”. Este tipo de obra de arte inclui-se no estilo 'natureza morta'. Pelo séc. XVI esteve ligado às designações Ars moriendi, Memento mori e Dança da morte, com inclusão de caveiras.

Charles-Joseph-Frédéric Soulacroix (1825-1879)-'vanitas still-life'-oil on canvas Private collection

Jacques Grief called Claeuw (ca 1625-ca 1676)-'vanitas still-life'-oil on canvas Jacksonville (Florida)-the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens

Jean-Léon-Bazille Perrault (1832-1908)-'vanitas still-life'-oil on canvas Private collection

Evert Collier (ca 1640-1708)-'vanitas still-life'-oil on canvas-1665 Private collection

Jan Lievens (1607-1674)-'vanitas still-life'-oil on panel Amsterdam-Rijksmuseum