Roelant SaveryFlemish, 1576–1639Memento mori
May one see it?
Yes, on view now
Where is “Memento mori” now? Nationalmuseum, Nationalmuseum, Stockholm. Yes, on view now. Checked October 9, 2026.
On public display.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum's website
About the painting
This painting with its animal skeletons and skulls interspersed with living animals and insects could be interpreted as a reminder of the fact that everything is finite. The title suggests this: remember that you are mortal. Symbolism of this kind was common and was meant to urge people to reflect, and caution against sinful living. The artist Savery had spent time as court painter to the emperor Rudolf II in Prague. The painting was probably produced at the emperor’s court, where there was great interest in nature and zoology.
Nationalmuseum
Particulars
In the catalog
Comings and goings
On view · Nationalmuseum
Nationalmuseum · Oct 9, 2026 — now · Verified
Whether it was on view is unknown
Nationalmuseum · Sep 27, 2026 — Oct 9, 2026 · Unconfirmed
Sources
- Nationalmuseum
- Image: Nationalmuseum — Public Domain Mark 1.0
