Vier afbeeldingen van een Samische mannenschedel before 1880

These photographs of a Sámi skull were captured by Paolo Mantegazza. The skull, an emblem of mortality, extends far beyond its immediate representation. From ancient Roman vanitas paintings to Northern Renaissance memento mori, the skull has served as a potent reminder of life's transience. In each epoch, this symbol undergoes a metamorphosis, reflecting the prevailing cultural anxieties and philosophical inquiries. Consider, for example, how the skull appears in medieval depictions of the danse macabre. Here, death is a universal leveler, a stark reminder of our shared fate. The skull evokes deep-seated fears and anxieties, while simultaneously prompting reflection on existence. This complex interplay of emotions ensures the skull's continued relevance as a symbol. Its enduring presence in art and culture highlights our perpetual confrontation with mortality.