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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
09:00
Quantifying Pain Location and Intensity with Multimodal Pain Body Diagrams
Published on: July 7, 2023
Summary
17th-century portraits commissioned by John Evelyn and William Petty featured skulls. These commemorative paintings served as reminders of mortality and marked significant life events for both men.
Area of Science:
- Art History
- Medical Humanities
- 17th-Century British History
Background:
- Explores the use of memento mori in 17th-century portraiture.
- Focuses on two prominent figures: John Evelyn and William Petty, founding fellows of the Royal Society.
- Examines commissioned portraits created in the mid-17th century.
Discussion:
- Analyzes the symbolic meaning of skulls in the portraits.
- Connects the portraits to personal milestones: Evelyn's engagement and Petty's anatomical appointment.
- Investigates the dual purpose of commemoration and mortality reflection in the artworks.
Key Insights:
- Skull symbolism in portraits served both personal commemoration and existential reflection.
- Art patronage by Royal Society fellows reflected intellectual and social currents of the era.
- Portraits functioned as complex visual statements on life, death, and status.
Outlook:
- Further research into other contemporary portraits with similar symbolism.
- Potential for interdisciplinary studies linking art, science, and philosophy.
- Understanding the enduring legacy of memento mori in visual culture.
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