J.H. Zachariasse (XIX)

Suggestive painting Memento Mori signed and dated J.H. Zachariasse, 1883. Interesting symbolic still life from the second half of the 19th century, built around the theme of Memento Mori, the traditional artistic representation of the transience of life and the inevitability of death. In the center of the composition appears a human skull, resting on a stack of books, while in the background a large dark bottle is depicted. The objects are arranged on a surface covered with fabric and are immersed in a sober, dark palette, particularly suitable to the meditative character of the subject. The skull constitutes the main memento mori: it reminds the viewer of the transience of existence. The books can be interpreted as a reference to knowledge and intellectual life, while the bottle and the composition as a whole contribute to reflection on the fugacity of pleasures and earthly things. The work is signed “J.H. Zachariasse” in the lower right corner and bears the date 1883, elements that document the author and the year of execution. The signature is particularly interesting also in relation to the presence on the market of other paintings classified as Memento Mori still lifes signed “Zachariasse,” confirming the existence of works of this subject associated with the artist's name. The painting preserves a beautiful gilded and silvered decorative frame, richly adorned with vegetal motifs and volutes, which gives the work a bold and particularly decorative appearance. Due to its relatively small size, the strongly characterized subject and the rich frame, the work can easily fit into both a classical setting and a more contemporary interior, where the contrast between the dark painting and the ornamental frame can create an interesting focal point. The painting measures 50 x 40 The painting shows signs and characteristics compatible with the age of the work, visible in the photographs. The canvas shows a painted surface with patina and traces of its conservation history. The frame is an integral part of the presentation of the work and shows normal signs of wear. Provenance: from private collection, purchased in the Netherlands in the 80s NO SHIPMENTS TO USA, UK, AND SWITZERLAND

Estimate:£423.8

View all items fromCatawikiorMiscellaneous