La tête de mort venue de Suède

Art print · Limited edition

La tête de mort venue de Suède

An artwork by Daria Schmitt

A skull, foliage, a sky of black ink. In this striking composition, Daria Schmitt brings human fragility into dialogue with the abundance of the living world. Stems curl, leaves unfurl and flowers emerge from the darkness: a vanitas brimming with life, where nature seems to follow its own course beyond time.

This art print reproduces the cover illustration of the deluxe black-and-white edition of La Tête de mort venue de Suède, Daria Schmitt’s graphic novel published by Éditions Dupuis in the Aire Libre collection.

Delicate hatching, deep blacks and areas of untouched white lend the drawing an intensity reminiscent of engraving. The 40 × 50 cm format invites the eye to explore every detail, from the contours of the skull to the delicate veins of the leaves.

Where dreams meet philosophy

In 1930s Paris, René Descartes’ skull is overcome by doubt. Around him, the skeletons of the Jardin des Plantes come to life and challenge the philosopher’s certainties. Blending mystery, fantasy and reflections on our relationship with animals, Daria Schmitt creates a story in which thought comes face to face with the living world.

This illustration echoes the story’s poetic strangeness: an image to contemplate in its own right, where every line contributes to the balance between shadow, silence and luxuriant plant life.