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Memento Mori, To This Favour, 1879. Creator: William Michael Harnett (American
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Memento Mori, To This Favour, 1879. Creator: William Michael Harnett (American
Memento Mori, " To This Favour", 1879. The Latin term memento mori describes a traditional subject in art that addresses mortality. In Harnetts example, the extinguished candle, spent hourglass, and skull symbolize death. A quote from William Shakespeares Hamlet, inscribed on the inside cover of a tattered book, reinforces the theme. It comes from the plays famed graveyard scene where Hamlet discovers a skull and grimly ponders his beloved Ophelia, ironically unaware that she is already dead. The " paint" in the quote not only refers to Ophelias makeup, but also wittily evokes the artifice of Harnetts picture
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The print captures William Michael Harnett's masterpiece, "Memento Mori, To This Favour" from 1879. This painting delves into the profound theme of mortality through traditional artistry. The Latin term memento mori, meaning "remember you must die" is brought to life by Harnett's portrayal of death symbols. In this composition, an extinguished candle and a spent hourglass serve as reminders of the fleeting nature of life. However, it is the skull that takes center stage, representing the ultimate fate that awaits us all. Adding depth to this macabre scene is a quote from Shakespeare's Hamlet inscribed on a tattered book cover within the artwork. The chosen quote comes from one of Hamlet's most famous scenes in which he encounters a skull while contemplating his beloved Ophelia. Ironically unaware of her demise at this point in the play, Hamlet ponders her fate with grim introspection. The inclusion of this quote not only reinforces Harnett's exploration of mortality but also cleverly highlights the artificiality inherent in art itself. This piece showcases Harnett's skillful use of oil on canvas and exemplifies his contribution to American heritage art during the late 19th century. Preserved by The Cleveland Museum of Art, this print allows us to appreciate Harnett's ability to provoke contemplation about our own mortality through visual storytelling.
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