St. John and Veronica Diptych (reverse of the left wing) 1483

Here, in Hans Memling's oil-on-panel work, the skull—a stark emblem of mortality—is presented in a niche, accompanied by the inscription 'MORIERIS,' a prophecy that translates to 'you shall die.' This motif is not new. In ancient Rome, similar reminders were whispered to triumphant generals: "Memento mori"—remember you must die. The skull, as a symbol, appears in diverse cultures across time, from ancient funerary rites to vanitas paintings. The meaning shifts, yet the core message persists. The skull provokes contemplation on the ephemeral nature of life, urging the viewer to reflect on their own existence. Note the emotional weight carried by this image. It is a visceral confrontation with death, an event that looms over us all. Through the ages, it has served as a potent psychological tool. The skull is an engagement with our subconscious fears and anxieties surrounding mortality. Thus, the symbol persists, echoing through time, modified by culture, yet forever bound to its primal origins.