Vanitas Still Life — Pieter Symonsz Potter

Pieter Symonsz Potter. Painted 1646.

A document with the Dutch lion featuring prominently in the attached seal, a songbook, a flute, dice, a globe, an oil lamp, bubbles, and a skull: much in this still life reminds us of the frailty and transience of life. With the inclusion of the red seal, moreover, this painting seems to be a warning to treat the Republic’s existence with care: after all, nothing is certain!

From the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

oil paint (paint), panel · Original size: 41.4 × 53.5 cm · On loan from the City of Amsterdam (A. van der Hoop Bequest)

Print: 41.4 × 53.5 cm, printed on Hahnemühle FineArt archival cotton paper. Museum-grade reproduction quality, true to the colours and detail of the original work.

Frame (optional): a custom-made wooden frame in a matte black finish, cut to the exact dimensions of this print, with an off-white passe-partout mat and protective glazing. Ready to hang.

Source: https://id.rijksmuseum.nl/20026077. Image released under CC0 by the Rijksmuseum.