About Skull & Skeleton Art
An anatomical plate describes structure, while a skull within a vanitas still life may contribute to reflection on mortality and time. Other works use skeletal forms in narrative, satire or decorative design. Their effect depends on the surrounding objects and figures.
A skull does not automatically identify an artwork as occult. Begin with its documented subject and historical setting. Explore anatomy and still-life pages to distinguish visual study from symbolic or imaginative uses.
