Living in a world that advocates for the supposed need of abundant possessions, we can easily fall into the desire for greater material wealth. However, there is a fine line between owning possessions and possessions owning us. Therefore, we ought to always be conscious of our attachment to earthly goods in order not to allow them to control our lives or define our identities- for life is so much greater than simply the quality or quantity of what we own.

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This painting attempts to showcase cupidity (along with the added artistic display of vanity) and the negative consequences it can have on our souls if we begin to hoard and overvalue earthly possessions. This girl is rendered in a conceited manner as she displays the ownership of her grandiose diamond necklace,  handmade with numerous individual rhinestones. However, she is unaware of what is taking place as a result. In this way, the rendering of the figure strikingly contrasts with the unpleasant reality: the foreboding blood seeping beneath the necklace symbolizes the harmful effects greed has on her soul (for where her treasure is, there also is her heart), along with its ability to lead to the distortion and negligence of what life should truly consist of- saving up riches in Heaven, rather than on earth, for all earthly treasures will one day pass and decay. The blood imagery is also mirrored in the background, displaying the depth of the harm; yet there is a hint of light at the top, which showcases that there is always still hope and the chance to amend this way of life.