Skeleton in coffin pendant, Europe, 1701-1900
A silver skeleton worn as a memento mori pendant is inside the gold coffin. A memento mori often contained images of skeletons and hourglasses. A memento mori reminds the wearer of the shortness of human life and the inevitability of death.
Object number:
A641823
Related Themes and Topics
Glossary:
Glossary: pendant
Hanging articles of jewellery, usually suspended from a necklace, but also includes Renaissance examples fastened to the sleeve often worn as decorative ornaments; can also be an article of devotional, magical, or mourning jewelry which then may sometimes be concealed under clothing.
Glossary: skeleton
The bones or bony framework of an animal body considered as a whole; also, more generally, the harder (supporting or covering) constituent part of an animal organism.
Glossary: memento mori
Symbols intended to remind the viewer of death. Memento mori are often objects such as skulls or hourglasses, but can also be written inscriptions.