Vatican skeleton

To this day I recall the impact of the skeletal statue on prominent display among the many ornate statues at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. As part of the Monument to Alexander VII, the winged bronze skeleton holding an hourglass represents Death itself. The striking image, the beauty of the craftsmanship, the juxtaposition with the celebrations of life all around St. Peter's combine to make this monument stick out and, at least for me, leave a lasting memory.

I suppose the artwork reminds us to keep our lifespan in mind. In other words, there is little time to pursue the righteous path and any days spent living anything less than our potential is a waste. Death comes eventually, so the need is to spend time on the things than truly matter.