Vanity

Painted on seven oak panels, this was originally an overmantel, almost certainly commissioned for a specific place. The unknown painter most likely based their work on a print source.

Painted as an allegory, it warns the young woman (Venus) that, to gain eternal salvation, she must lead a virtuous life. Venus holds a mirror in her left hand. The winged cupid at her feet points to a skull and says: 'Beautiful woman, look in the mirror and see how you will end'. The pomegranate near Venus' elbow represents Charity and the Resurrection. We are reminded that earthly beauty will not last or be of any use in the next world and that Vanity is an empty pleasure.