European, 17th to 18th century CE. A large-scale oil on canvas allegorical vanitas painting presenting the Christ Child placing one hand on a skull, a memento mori intended to remind the viewer of mortality. The Christ Child sits in a rocky cave with a beautiful landscape beyond. Vanitas artists included symbols such as skulls, wilting flowers, and hourglasses to convey the belief that worldly pleasures and possessions were not everlasting. Rather, life is finite and power, beauty, money etc. are fleeting. The presence of the Christ Child suggested that hope and salvation were possible through faith. An impressive vanitas painting mounted in a gorgeous giltwood frame that is elaborately carved with flowering garlands. Size (sight view): 27.875" L x 21.25" W (70.8 cm x 54 cm) Size (frame): 34" L x 27.25" W (86.4 cm x 69.2 cm)

Provenance: private Rancho Mirage, California, USA collection, by inheritance in 2020; ex-Dr. TDR Berreth, California, USA, acquired before 1982

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#179136

Expected age wear with signs of restoration. Frame has a few cracks, losses, and repairs but is nevertheless stunning with high relief carving and a gilded finish.