Memento Mori Skull Print – Andreas Planer, 1583 – Snake, Hourglass & Crucifix, Renaissance Woodcut, Gothic Alchemy Wall Art, Occult Decor #332

This Memento Mori Skull Print is a faithful reproduction of one of the most compelling Renaissance vanitas images, first published in De Methodo Medendi Liber Unus by Andreas Planer in Basel, 1583. This striking woodcut presents a haunting yet philosophical meditation on mortality, time, and eternity. At the center stands a detailed human skull, jaws clamped around a coiled serpent whose head bears a crucifix. Resting atop the skull is an hourglass, its sand forever slipping away — a stark reminder of the fleeting nature of life.

Every element of this composition is layered with meaning. The skull is a classic symbol of death and the transience of earthly existence. The serpent, almost forming an ouroboros, speaks of the cyclical nature of life and death, while the crucifix placed on its head suggests salvation through faith and spiritual transcendence. The hourglass reinforces the theme of vanitas, marking the slow passage of time and urging the viewer to reflect on how life is spent.

A Portal to Renaissance Thought

This artwork invites you into the intellectual world of the 16th century — a time when medicine, philosophy, and religion were deeply intertwined. Such images were not merely morbid; they were didactic, encouraging contemplation of mortality, moral responsibility, and the hope of eternal life. To gaze upon this print is to engage with the same questions that occupied Renaissance scholars: What is the meaning of life? How should we live, knowing that time is finite?

Available as a fine art print on antiqued paper for an authentic 16th-century feel or as a bold gallery-quality canvas for a dramatic presence in your space. Delivered unframed, so you can choose a frame that matches your interior — whether gothic, academic, or modern minimalistic.

Symbolism and Meaning

• The Skull – A reminder of mortality and the impermanence of worldly pursuits
• The Hourglass – The relentless passage of time, urging mindful living
• The Serpent – Symbol of eternity, knowledge, and transformation
• The Crucifix – A sign of redemption and hope beyond death
• Latin Motto “Vitae Bergae” – Philosophical reflection on life’s brevity and meaning

Historical and Cultural Context

First printed in 1583, this image reflects the Renaissance fascination with anatomy, religion, and the moral lessons of vanitas art. It was created in an era when physicians and philosophers worked side by side, seeing the human body as both a physical and spiritual mystery. Such prints were meant for study rooms and libraries, where they reminded viewers of the transience of life and the importance of virtue and contemplation.

This piece preserves the intellectual and spiritual climate of late Renaissance Europe, where death was not feared but accepted as a natural transition — a moment to prepare the soul for what lay beyond.

Why Choose This Print?

• Faithful reproduction of a rare 16th-century engraving
• Captures the deep symbolic power of vanitas art
• Printed on antiqued paper or canvas for a museum-quality look
• Delivered unframed, perfect for custom framing
• Ideal for lovers of gothic, dark academia, and occult aesthetics
• Adds a meditative and intellectual tone to studies, libraries, or ritual spaces

Perfect For

• Collectors of Renaissance and alchemical art
• Historians and philosophers fascinated by memento mori imagery
• Practitioners of esoteric, hermetic, or occult traditions
• Students of anatomy, medicine, and the history of science
• Decorators of gothic, vintage, or scholarly interiors

This Memento Mori Skull Print (#332) is more than an image — it is a meditation on the human condition, a visual reminder of time’s passage, and a prompt to live wisely.

👉 Order your Memento Mori Print today and bring this timeless reflection on life, death, and eternity into your home, library, or personal sanctuary.

Canvas vs. Hand-Made Paper — Print Comparison Guide