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Fish Eaters Traditional Catholic Forum > Church > Apologetics and Questions about Traditional Catholicism > Meaning of the skull in the paintings of saints?
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Author Topic: Meaning of the skull in the paintings of saints?  (Read 1824 times)
Valz
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« on: July 04, 2010, 09:17:PM »
I've noticed that many paintings of saints of The Church show a skull:

http://bolstablog.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/st-francis-of-assisi-praying.jpg

http://www.rester.us/HistoricalTheoBlogy/wp-content/stjerome.jpg

http://embodyshakti.typepad.com/.a/6a00e553dbd93e883301157248b147970b-800wi

I am sure there are more, but I was wondering what is the meaning behind including this skill with them? What does it represent?

Thanks!
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Credo
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« Reply #1 on: July 04, 2010, 09:46:PM »
The use of skulls is for a consideration on morality.

BTW, one doesn't capitalize the definite article (i.e.: the) when talking about the Church.
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StrictCatholicGirl
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« Reply #2 on: July 04, 2010, 09:54:PM »
I think Credo means mortality.

 Smile
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Credo
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« Reply #3 on: July 04, 2010, 10:03:PM »
Quote from: StrictCatholicGirl
I think Credo means mortality.

Correct.
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I promise not to put anything here which might help us question our mind-forged manacles, inspire us, or help us in any way at all.

N.B.: I will not be posting on this site again until the Christmas octave. Have a good Advent.
Rosarium
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« Reply #4 on: July 05, 2010, 10:24:AM »
Quote from: Valz
I've noticed that many paintings of saints of The Church show a skull:

http://bolstablog.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/st-francis-of-assisi-praying.jpg

http://www.rester.us/HistoricalTheoBlogy/wp-content/stjerome.jpg

http://embodyshakti.typepad.com/.a/6a00e553dbd93e883301157248b147970b-800wi

I am sure there are more, but I was wondering what is the meaning behind including this skill with them? What does it represent?

Thanks!

Usually it symbolises mortality, but it also can represent conquering death, especially in the context of the crucifixion.

There may be a few times it represents something specifically and individually.
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Virgil the Roman
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« Reply #5 on: July 05, 2010, 12:45:PM »
It reminds as my signature says of the "last things" that is the "four last things:" Death, Judgment, Hell, and Heaven. 

"Remember the Last Things and thou shalt never sin." ---Ecclesiaticus 7:40
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CaoimhinPConnell
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Posts: 215
« Reply #6 on: July 05, 2010, 11:14:PM »
By the way, just a clarification – capitalization of the definite article  “The” as in “The Church” is a contextual and a subjective call and the appropriateness of the use is exclusively with the author.  For example, when I reference “The Church” to exclusively mean The Holy Catholic Church, capitalization is of the definite article  is correct.

“The” Church is a reference to The Holy Catholic Church (not, as the Romans like to think, just the Roman Rite of The Church).  But that’s another argument.

Far be it from me to cross swords with Credo in issues of The Church (whereof I’m as smart as a bag of hammers).  But even a fool may learn a wise man wit.

Cheers!
Caoimhín
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