Paula Wildhack was an accomplished Austrian 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. It’s a ‘memento mori’, a reminder of one’s own mortality. 

Paula Wildhack, Memento Mori (1894)

Painted in 1894, probably during her training, this fine piece of theatre is an homage to the past masters. It’s reminiscent of works by Sebastian Stoskopff  (1597-1657), so perhaps Wildhack was an admirer. The concept of memento mori has its roots in antiquity but rose to prominence during the 17th century. It was essentially an intellectual device to stimulate conversation regarding the fleeting nature of life. Typically, they include skulls, wilting flowers, and a symbol of eroding time. 

Wildhack was born in Vienna and trained under her father, Andreas Michael Wildhack. She’s known to have exhibited in Dresden and this is one of her earliest paintings. She also worked as an art conservator.

Exhibited

Künstlerhaus in Vienna.

Timeline

1872

Born in Vienna to Andreas Michael Wildhack, an artist/conservator, and Franziska Wildhack (born Hawelka).

1905

Exhibited with the ‘Saxon Art Association of Dresden’.

1950

Married Heinrich Josef Sigmund Weil in Vienna.

1955

Died in Vienna.