Skulls and Old Books (Schedels met oude Boeken) 1919

Anton F. Pieck’s 1919 etching "Skulls and Old Books (Schedels met oude Boeken)" is a poignant still life depicting a human skull resting atop several old books, with another skull partially obscured by the books. Pieck's detailed etching technique creates a sense of depth and texture, emphasizing the weight of history and the ephemerality of life. This evocative image evokes themes of mortality, knowledge, and the enduring power of literature.