Georgian and later memento mori (reminder of death or mortality)

A memento mori is an object or image that serves as a reminder of mortality and the inevitability of death. The phrase "memento mori" is Latin for "remember that you will die."

Memento mori can take many forms, including paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and other decorative objects. They often include symbols of death or decay, such as skulls, skeletons, hourglasses, or wilting flowers, as well as inscriptions or messages reminding the viewer of the transience of life.

Memento mori have been used throughout history as a way of contemplating the nature of existence and the importance of living in the present. In some cultures, they were also used as a reminder of religious teachings, such as the Christian belief in the afterlife.

During the Renaissance, memento mori became a popular theme in art and literature, reflecting the renewed interest in classical philosophy and the humanist emphasis on the importance of individual more... agency and moral responsibility.

Today, memento mori continue to be appreciated as a powerful symbol of the fragility and impermanence of life, and are often used in contemporary art and design to convey a sense of introspection and reflection. less...