Memento mori (1916)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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More about this artwork
Welcome to an exploration of Julie de Graag's compelling artwork, "Memento Mori," created in 1916. This striking piece captures one of art's oldest and most profound themes: the inevitability of death and the importance of remembering our mortality.In "Memento Mori," de Graag utilizes a stark, monochrome palette to depict a human skull set against a dark background. The skull, centered and front-facing, gazes directly out at the viewer. Its hollow eyes and grim expression serve as a powerful reminder of life's transient nature. Above the skull, a halo-like circle perhaps suggests the eternal or spiritual dimensions connected to human existence.The composition is framed within a bold, black border which enhances the graphic quality of the work and lends it a solemn, icon-like appearance. The title, "Memento Mori," is prominently displayed at the base, reinforcing the theme with clarity and immediacy.De Graag's work is notable for its simplicity and directness, which are typical of her style. This piece invites viewers to pause and reflect on not just their mortality, but also on what it means to live knowing that life is temporary.