Vanitas was first developed in Holland during the 17th century where the wealthy would display their earthly treasures but in the end you cannot take it with you to Death. This was frequently displayed using the human skull to symbolise the passing of time and fragility of human existence which links quite well with Lori Nix's work. Other items that were used ranged from books and candles to flowers and insects.
The pieces below are contemporary interpretations of this well known theme of our own mortality:
Kate MccGwire - Slick - 2010 - Magpie and crow feathers, mixed media and antique fire basket
Ori Gersht - Time after Time
Tom Gallant - Moths - Cut black paper, collage, cork and taxidermist pins
Tom Gallant - Rose Window V (After Morris) - 2010 - Wood, glass, cork, collage, varnish, cut paper, taxidermist pins (porn magazine)
Wim Delvoye - Untitled (Car Tire # 2) - 2009 - Handcarved lorry tire