ELI5: What Do Skulls Symbolize in Art?

In art, skulls symbolize a gentle reminder that life does not last forever, encouraging us to enjoy every single day we have.

Think of a skull like the timer on a microwave or an hourglass filled with sand. When you play a fun game with your friends, you know the game will end when the sun goes down, so you try to have the best time possible right now. In art, a skull acts just like that sunset: it shows us that our time is limited so we do not waste it.

Long ago, painters created a special style called a memento mori, which is an old fancy phrase that means "remember you must die." They would paint a shiny skull sitting right next to things from everyday life to tell a secret story:

• Next to ripe fruit or flowers: Fresh strawberries or pretty roses smell sweet and look bright, but after a few days, they spoil. The skull reminds us that youth and beauty fade, so we should enjoy them today.
• Next to stacks of coins: People work very hard to collect money and fancy toys, but the skull shows that you cannot take your toys with you when you are gone. Being kind matters much more than owning things.
• Next to books and candles: A melting candle shows hours ticking away, reminding us to learn, love, and spend time with family before the wick burns out.