Poort tot begraafplaats bij de Westerkerk 1631

This image shows a depiction of a gate to a cemetery near the Westerkerk, created anonymously. The stark imagery of skulls adorning the archway is indicative of the memento mori tradition, a common theme during periods of plague and religious reformation. Consider how, in a time of immense social upheaval, these symbols transcended mere morbidity. Instead, they served as potent reminders of life's fragility and the universality of death. The skulls evoke a sense of existential questioning, prompting viewers to contemplate their own mortality and the legacy they would leave behind. While the artist remains unknown, the work speaks volumes about the intersection of public health, religious beliefs, and artistic expression. It offers a lens through which to consider the narratives we construct around life, death, and remembrance.