Schetsboek met 29 bladen c. 1887 - 1891

This is a sketchbook with 29 pages made by Willem Witsen around the late 19th century. The cover, heavily stained and patinated, appears as a dark mirror, reflecting the passage of time and its relentless effect on all things. This image evokes a sense of melancholy, a theme prevalent throughout art history. Think of the "vanitas" paintings of the Dutch Golden Age, where objects like skulls and decaying fruit remind us of life's fleeting nature. Here, the stains and wear marks act as similar symbols, underscoring the ephemerality of existence. The concept of “memento mori,” a reminder of mortality, is not confined to one era. We find its echoes in ancient Roman art and even contemporary works. This sketchbook, with its worn exterior, serves as its own memento mori, a tangible link to the past, and a silent testament to the inevitable march of time. It is a powerful symbol that engages us on a deep, subconscious level. This image is a reminder of how symbols continually resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts.