vanitas

[ van-i-tahs ]

noun

1. a type of still-life painting that flourished in the Netherlands from about 1620 to 1650, conveying a religious message and characterized by objects symbolic of mortality and the meaninglessness of worldly pleasures.

Word History and Origins

Origin of vanitas¹

1905–10; Latin: literally, vanity

Example Sentences

Is it possible then that thy name is also vanitas vanitatum, like the other things of this world?

From Project Gutenberg

Of my three frivolous women, another performed the miracle herself, and abandoned freely the service of the great Goddess Vanitas.

From Project Gutenberg

Or, is it about a woman who wears her life away in the farce of 'Vanitas Vanitatum?'

From Project Gutenberg

Vanitas vanitatum, et omnia vanitas—Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.

From Project Gutenberg

Similis reviviscendi promissa Democrito vanitas, qui non revixit ipse.

From Project Gutenberg