Christian art uses specific symbols to encourage hope regarding eternal life

Father José de Jesús Aguilar Valdés of the Archdiocese of Mexico explains that certain Christian artworks use symbols like skulls to remind viewers that earthly life is temporary. These images belong to an artistic motif known as Vanitas, which refers to the fleeting nature of worldly things.

According to Father Aguilar, these depictions include objects such as burning candles, nearly empty hourglasses, and broken musical instruments to represent the passage of time. While a skull signifies the limits of corporal life, the purpose of such imagery is not to promote terror or the worship of death. Instead, these symbols invite people to turn their hearts toward God and avoid placing definitive hope in material possessions or appearances.