Vanitas Vanitatum in antiqued white bronze

Drawn from the biblical book of Ecclesiastes 1:2;12:8, the verse, "Vanitas vanitatum; omnia vanitas" becomes "Vanity of vanities; all is vanity". Here "vanity" is used in its older (especially pre-14th century) sense of "futility". Vanitas themes were common in medieval funerary art and included symbols that reminded viewers of the transience of life, the futility of pleasure, and the certainty of death. 

I've taken this theme and included within a large metal cameo symbols of skulls (human death), a butterfly ( the fragility of life) and added two hands pulling at each wing of the butterfly. Small bones and gems complete the picture within the frame. Even the vintage chain is full of elegant detail and quality.

This piece is part of a newer, more elegant and deluxe series I've been fervently working towards. It has been assembled from many smaller hand sculpts before being cast in solid bronze. I also take great pride in the fact that each cast is made by hand in small batches in the U.S. from recycled metal whenever possible. Lastly, after assembling the necklace, I then patina each piece to give it a more antiqued look and bring out the recesses and details of the sculpt. The detailed chain measures 26 inches long, and the pendant hangs an additional 4 inches. Please send me a conversation if you'd like your chain to be a custom length. I can make the chain longer for an additional fee. 
 
Drawn from the biblical book of Ecclesiastes 1:2;12:8, the verse, "Vanitas vanitatum; omnia vanitas" becomes "Vanity of vanities; all is vanity". Here "vanity" is used in its older (especially pre-14th century) sense of "futility". Vanitas themes were common in medieval funerary art and included symbols that reminded viewers of the transience of life, the futility of pleasure, and the certainty of death. 

I've taken this theme and included within a large metal cameo symbols of skulls (human death), a butterfly ( the fragility of life) and added two hands pulling at each wing of the butterfly. Small bones and gems complete the picture within the frame. Even the vintage chain is full of elegant detail and quality.

This piece is part of a newer, more elegant and deluxe series I've been fervently working towards. It has been assembled from many smaller hand sculpts before being cast in solid bronze. I also take great pride in the fact that each cast is made by hand in small batches in the U.S. from recycled metal whenever possible. Lastly, after assembling the necklace, I then patina each piece to give it a more antiqued look and bring out the recesses and details of the sculpt. The detailed chain measures 26 inches long, and the pendant hangs an additional 4 inches. Please send me a conversation if you'd like your chain to be a custom length. I can make the chain longer for an additional fee. 
 
Please allow 3 weeks for your item to be created. Made in Ohio.