This still life is based upon the genre of "Vanitas" paintings. "Vanitas" paintings have a connection with the Book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible which starts "Vanity of Vanities, saith the preacher, vanity of vanities, all is vanity". Hence "Vanitas" paintings are typically filled with symbolism which speaks to the brevity of life, and futility of worldly goals. In my painting I have tried to tell the story of an individual who was taken from this world while still working on personal projects such as building a model boat, and like this boat which was knocked off its pedestal this gentleman was taken from this world as evidenced in the symbols of death (e.g. skull, timepiece, candle etc.). However where as traditional Vanitas paintings stop at this point, I have decided to continue the Christians story as told in the Bible, that for those who believe on Jesus Christ we will be transformed and brought into eternal life with God the father as symbolized within the butterfly and Dove.