Date: 1630–40
Technique: Oil on canvas, 68 x 87 cm
A monk studies a skull, the symbol of death. This painting can be regarded as a Memento Mori; a reminder that we will all die one day. The artist has used a strong contrast of light and shade to emphasise the drama of the scene. Man with a Skull was painted by an unknown artist in the style of Jusepe de Ribera. Four other versions of this work exist, including the original by Ribera. This version is the most similar to the original.
