The still life sub-genre, Vanitas painted by Dutch artists during the Baroque period of the 16th and 17th century used symbolism to depict the transient nature of life and reflected the old testament belief that “All is vanity”. Ultimately the conundrum for the painters of the Vanitas that declared the futility of worldly goods was that the collectors who purchased the artworks required wealth and the paintings themselves became worldly goods – an inextricable link and ultimately an amusing irony.

The paintings often overflow with beautiful objects that you can only admire and gain pleasure from while at the same time being asked to consider the empty vanity of such things. It’s quite a task these Dutch masters have set for us. Painted with such skill and obvious devotion to each object I wonder if the artists themselves were overwhelmed with the beauty they were creating perhaps even transported by the process just as the viewer is hundreds of years later.

Perhaps the real futility is attempting to dampen our spirits at the enjoyment of life rather than worrying about its transience and to find joy in the vanity. To wonder at the extraordinary colour in nature. Be tempted by the bright red apple, be amazed by the scarlet ibis or the finely patterned pheasant.

The still life genre has had so many variations over the centuries ... a table of contents for every occasion, philosophy or emotion. And because the genre comes with so much tradition and symbolism it’s impossible not to trip over the historical threads that wind around you as an artist. The Vanitas cast a long shadow over the Still Life genre but I think I’d rather Peggy Lee’s reflection on the fleeting quality of life, “If that’s all there is my friends/ Then let’s keep dancing” ... but perhaps that’s just my vanity talking. – Kate Bergin