Vincent van Gogh, one of the most celebrated Post-Impressionist artists, painted "Skull of a Skeleton with Burning Cigarette" around 1886–1887 during his time as an art student in Antwerp. Unlike his more famous works depicting vibrant landscapes or intimate portraits, this small oil painting stands as a striking and somewhat macabre exploration of mortality and dark humor. The portrayal of a skeleton casually smoking challenges traditional vanitas themes, injecting irony into a subject often associated with transience and death. Some scholars believe it was a satirical commentary on academic anatomy studies, while others see it as a reflection of the artist’s struggles with mental and physical health. This early work signifies Van Gogh’s wit, fascination with anatomy, and his growing tendency to intertwine personal meaning with artistic experimentation.