Onderboezem voor een wand before 1703

This drawing of a chimneypiece was created by Daniël Marot in the late 17th or early 18th century. Adorned with garlands and what appears to be a skull, the design speaks to a fascination with symbols of both life and mortality. Garlands, often associated with celebration and abundance, can be traced back to ancient Roman traditions. Skulls, of course, are age-old reminders of our inevitable end. The juxtaposition creates a powerful tension. We see it echoed throughout art history. Think of Dutch vanitas paintings, where ephemeral beauty is paired with symbols of decay. It’s as if the human psyche is drawn to this duality. We celebrate life, but the shadow of death lingers. This design is no different. It captures that tension and engages us on a subconscious level, prompting reflection on our own mortality and the fleeting nature of existence. The symbols remind us that life and death are part of a non-linear, cyclical progression.