[1] An opened book page with a photograph of the icon Marilyn Monroe is the focal point of Flack’s piece.
A piece which Flack may have drawn inspiration from is David Bailly’s Vanitas Still Life with Portrait of a Young Painter.
Like Flack’s work, Bailly incorporates symbols such as flowers, portraits, candles, books, hourglasses, glasses, and jewelry.
[citation needed] Flack seemed to identify with the ideals of feminine behavior and presence, which Marilyn Monroe was expected to possess.
The depiction of a candle may be in reference to the religious roots of the memento mori,[5] creating a scene similar to an altar piece.