Paula Wildhack, Memento Mori

Paula Wildhack, Memento MoriThis macabre late 19th century oil painting by German artist Paula Wildhack (1872 1955) depicts a still life with skull, bible, crucifix, candlestick and flowers. Wildhack was an accomplished painter predominantly known for flower paintings. An open bible, discoloured by the passing of time, rests before a gnarled skull with an absent tooth. A crucifix juts towards the viewer as a candle appears almost burnt down. Its a memento mori, a reminder of

Perhaps exchanging goods or making arrangements - note the basket and jug by her feet

Our reference: BRV1896

One small paint loss

yet equally one of perseverance amid impossible circumstances

The painting is signed in the lower left and housed within a later swept frame

This array of interesting goods enabled him to paint from life and he would arrange a room to suit a composition

so it’s likely that Christiansen painted this after Zahrtmann

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specialised in interior scenes and this is a particularly good example of the way he handles light

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In his later years

The painting is monogrammed/dated in the lower right and housed within a gilded frame