Portret van een jongeman (Vanitas) 1520 - 1562

This 16th-century engraving, "Portrait of a Young Man (Vanitas)" by the artist known only as Monogrammist AC, presents us with a meditation on mortality. The work exemplifies the "vanitas" tradition, a genre that flourished during a period of immense religious and social upheaval. Note the sumptuous details – the fur-lined coat, feathered hat, and scattered coins. These symbols of worldly pleasure are juxtaposed with the skull nestled within the young man's arm, a stark reminder of life's fleeting nature. Dice, playing cards, and a lute further emphasize the transience of earthly pursuits, inviting us to reflect on the values we prioritize in our own lives. Consider, too, the artist's choice to depict a young man, full of potential, yet already shadowed by the inevitable. The faint smile and thoughtful look encourages us to confront our own mortality. This image serves as both a moral lesson and a poignant reflection on the human condition.