Purification

A theatrical still life centers on a large animal skull, its hollow sockets and long teeth illuminated against a luminous turquoise night. An anatomical red heart, pale flower, burning candle, and small golden key gather across the wooden tabletop, while a whimsical winged mouse hovers at upper left like a fantastical witness. Carefully rendered forms and reflective highlights give the piece an illustrative realism, balancing macabre symbolism with playful fairytale invention.