Still life with skull, candle and book 1866

Paul Cézanne’s 1866 “Still Life with Skull, Candle and Book” is a striking depiction of the memento mori, the artistic tradition of reminding viewers of their mortality. The skull, a common symbol of death, sits prominently on the table, juxtaposed against a lit candle and an open book. The painting's somber tone and Cézanne's characteristic thick brushstrokes lend a sense of weight and introspection to the composition, inviting viewers to contemplate the passage of time and the fleeting nature of life.