Portrait of a Painter, perhaps the Artist Himself Possibly 1730 - 1737

Aert Schouman likely created this self-portrait in oil on canvas sometime in the 18th century. Observe the objects atop the mantle. The skull, a memento mori, reminds us of life’s transience, a theme prevalent since antiquity. We see it echoed through the ages— from ancient Roman feasts where slaves whispered, "Remember, you must die," to Holbein's "The Ambassadors," where a distorted skull challenges our perception. Consider how such symbols persist, adapting to new eras yet retaining their primal power. Schouman, consciously or not, taps into this collective memory. The image evokes a deep-seated awareness of mortality, engaging our subconscious anxieties and compelling reflection on existence. This cyclical return of symbols underscores our shared human experience, transcending time and culture. The skull, like a phoenix, constantly resurfaces, reminding us of our fragile mortality.