Vanitas is a genre of art that emerged in the 16th and 17th centuries, particularly in Dutch painting. It serves as a reminder of the transience of life and the futility of earthly pleasures. Common symbols include skulls, hourglasses, and wilting flowers, all representing mortality and the inevitability of death. The term "vanitas" comes from the Latin word for "vanity," emphasizing the idea that material wealth and worldly achievements are ultimately meaningless. Artists like Pieter Claesz and Harmen Steenwyck created still-life paintings that encapsulate these themes, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own lives and priorities.