Vanitas 

Cornelis Norbertus Gysbrechts, a 17th-century Dutch painter, was renowned for his intricate still life compositions. His artwork, "Vanitas," exemplifies this, with its striking arrangement of objects that allude to the transience of life. The central focus of the painting is a human skull, surrounded by a variety of objects, including a lit candle, a caged bird, a document, and a pair of slippers, all of which have symbolic meanings related to mortality and the passing of time. Gysbrechts’ masterful use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth and realism, drawing the viewer into a contemplation of the inevitability of death.