Vanitas, by Robinson (1680, c.)

Vanitas, by Robinson (1680, c.)

The image represents a skull in the centre with a flower wreath on top. Other objects also appear next to the skull, including an open book on the left, a candle on the right, a shell in front of the skull and bubbles floating around. Even if the skull is gender neutral and the wreath may simply indicate triumph or fame, the shell used to make the pumps or bullae adds feminine connotations.

Robinson, Robert (1674-1706)

The British Museum, London, UK
https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1874-0808-1203

Archived in:
https://web.archive.org/web/20210401013453/https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1874-0808-1203

© The Trustees of The British Museum
Asset number: 121095001
Museum number: 1874,0808.1203

Smith, John (1652-1743)

1680, c.

Mezzotint.
Dimensions: 24.6 × 18 cm