This 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. It’s a ‘memento mori’, a reminder of one’s own mortality. 

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.

Signed/dated in the lower right and held in a later frame.

Learn more about Paula Wildhack in our directory.

Medium: Oil on panel
Overall size: 26½” x 31½” / 67cm x 80cm
Year of creation: 1894
Provenance: Private collection, Vienna, Austria.
Condition: Cleaned. Frame in excellent condition.
Artist’s auction maximum: £6,887 for ‘Alpenrosen (1905)’, Oil on canvas, Vienna, Austria, 2022.
Our reference: BRV1883