Skull, Lute, and Books

Dou's composition is filled with objects, some simply studio props. However, many of the objects depicted -- the globe, the plaster cast (see detail), the skull, the lute, the books, the sword (see detail) -- were traditionally associated with the idea of vanitas, the ephemerality of life. Dou may have included these symbols of transience within his composition to contrast with the artist's achievements, which are lasting.