Portrait of Mrs Atkinson 1898

Gwen John painted this enigmatic "Portrait of Mrs. Atkinson" around 1897. Observe the skull resting ominously on the mantelpiece, a stark memento mori. This symbol, a potent reminder of mortality, echoes through art history, from ancient Roman triumphs to vanitas paintings of the Dutch Golden Age. Consider Holbein's "The Ambassadors," where a distorted skull challenges earthly vanities, or the skull at the feet of Saint Jerome, signifying his contemplation of mortality and spiritual devotion. Such symbols reflect humanity's timeless preoccupation with death, its presence a subtle yet powerful force engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The inclusion of the memento mori here invites us to consider how the human psyche grapples with mortality, and how the motif resurfaces, evolving and taking on new meanings through different historical contexts.