The skull, an iconic figure of Vanitas’ painting, is at the forefront of the work. The skull is crowned and stands in an authoritative position over a prostrate person as if apologizing. The words ‘love’ and ‘peace’ play a contradictory role in the work, as the skeleton, which symbolizes death, is stepping on the person. The eight arms on either side are holding weapons, and the number eight is a symbol of Jesus Christ, giving the work a religious connotation.