Description

From the series of Vanitas Portraits called Allegories by photographer Ben Marcum.

This is a 30in by 45in print on matte paper.

This was the beginning of the series and the only one directly inspired by an existing painting, “Allegory of Vanity and Penance” by Guido Cagnacci.

Notable differences are the addition of jewelry and the kinds of flowers.
I included the pearls to add wealth symbolism to the image and selected roses as a symbol of love. Note the mix of fresh and dead flowers. The candle has been recently blown out and you can see the slightest hint of smoke by the wick.