Vanitas, Still Life with Skull and Walnut

A Conch shell, walnut & a dead leaf accompany the age old motif of mortality - a human skull. The warm palette of browns and soft pink create a harmonious relationship between the objects contrasting with the cool green of the stone top on which they now sit. Here the brown leaf has been drained of life, its veins dry and curling into itself. The diagonal of the stem points upward to the skull, alluding to the power and potential of the human mind that had once occupied it. This along with the split walnut serves as a reminder of the importance of thought, knowledge and wisdom and the ingenuity of the human psyche.

The painting is done on a 3mm sanded birch surface finished by a solid pine wood frame. The panel was sealed and then triple primed before receiving an oil ground. This was the first time painting on panel and it was an enjoyable change from canvas. The smooth surface lends itself well to oil-painting and enables an extremely smooth surface and intricate detail.

If you are interested in this painting or any of my work and would like to see it or any others in person please don’t hesitate to ask.

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My name is Michael Memete, I am a self taught Melbourne based artist inspired by the old masters, in particular those of the 17th century Dutch Golden Age. Each of my paintings is created using the highest quality materials possible, including paints I grind by hand as well as flax oil (“linseed” oil) that I have cleansed and prepared using time honoured methods. Each piece I create is a one off and though themes and objects may reappear I will never make copies of a previous work. I am my own harshest critic and believe that each piece must be of a certain level of quality before it leaves the studio and I can be comfortable asking somebody to buy it. Vanity, mortality, philosophy and wisdom are all themes I like to explore in my work and I aim to improve my craft with each painting I complete. It is my hope that there are people out there who would like to support me on this journey as I aspire to reach mastery and play a small part in restoring the beauty of traditional art in modern times.

Each piece comes with a hand signed certificate of authenticity upon purchase.

All of my works are signed, varnished, framed and ready to hang unless stated otherwise.

If you have any inquiries or If you would like to see a piece in the studio, please feel free to get in touch, I would be more than happy to hear from you. Thank you.

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No artworks may be reproduced without written consent of the artist.