Spanish school; 20th century. "Skull". Oil on canvas. It has no stretcher frame and is missing. Signed "Betancourt" in the lower right corner. Measurements: 32 x 40 cm; 49.5 x 56.5 cm (frame). The vanitas, which represented human skulls, were used as meditation objects or, rather, to enrich the cabinet of curiosities. By means of this type of object, the intention was to remind us of the mortality and finite life of the human being. The origin of the use of the skull as a reminder of the end of human life may have its roots in Ancient Rome, especially in the face of the generals who entered the streets of the capital victorious who, on their backs, carried a servant who reminded them that they too were men.

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