Vanitas × Noé

Vanitas

This isn't really a chapter I just decided to research what Vanitas means and I wanted to share. Not only do I find it really interesting but it allowed me to discover one of the coolest art styles ever.

First I'll go with the basic meaning of Vanitas. It could mean vanity or vain which honestly matches Vani quite well. He outwardly seems to have quite a high opinion of himself and probably thinks he is better than other people. While I don't doubt that he probably inwardly hates himself a little Vanitas would probably still view himself as superior to others.

Vanitas could also mean emptiness which is sad and fitting for the character. Vanitas has undoubtedly been through a lot in his short life (he's only 18) and the idea of him being empty is quite fitting. Vanitas has likely been drained of a lot of emotion and I feel as though he often fakes his happiness (and some other emotions) for the effect of keeping people at a distance.

Now I'll get into the interesting definition. Vanitas is a still life art style. Vanitas paintings were supposed to represent how fleeting and pointless life is, the inevitably of death and the futility of pleasure. Overall it had some very dark themes.

Not only this but the inevitably of death fits perfectly for Vani. We know that in the end Noé will kill him so it's quite appropriate. Common things depicted in Vanitas art includes skulls, hourglasses, watches, luxury items and insects.

Now insects is a curious one because I specifically want to mention butterflies, which are commonly used in Vanitas art. It may seem strange that I want to talk about this particular creature but if you look at art of Vanitas (the character) you'll often see him depicted with butterflies. I don't think this is a coincidence and butterflies specifically (along with other insects) represent the brevity of life.

Vanitas the character and the art style have striking parallels between them that will surely only become more apparent (unless I'm spewing nonsense) as time goes on. I doubt this was a mistake and even if it is a coincidence it's certainly an interesting one.