A Vanitas still life

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About the Item

Attributed to Evert Collier (1642-1708) A vanitas still life Oil on canvas Canvas Size 30 x 25 in Framed Size 29 x 34 in Evert Collier (also spelled Edward Collier) was a Dutch still-life painter of the Baroque period, renowned for his intricate and symbolic vanitas paintings. Born in Breda, the Netherlands, in 1640, he became an important figure in the vanitas tradition, which was popular in the Dutch Golden Age. Vanitas paintings were a genre of still-life art meant to remind viewers of the fleeting nature of life, the certainty of death, and the futility of worldly possessions. Collier’s vanitas compositions often featured skulls, extinguished candles, hourglasses, musical instruments, books, and letters—objects symbolizing the passage of time and the transient nature of human existence. He was particularly skilled in trompe-l'œil (illusionistic painting), making objects appear as though they extended beyond the canvas. His still-life paintings were rich in allegory. Skulls represented mortality, watches and hourglasses symbolized the relentless passage of time, and wilting flowers suggested the decay of beauty. Books and musical instruments were reminders of knowledge and pleasure that ultimately fade. Many of his works also included written texts, such as philosophical quotations or personal notes, reinforcing the message of life’s impermanence. Collier was active in Leiden before moving to Amsterdam and later settling in London, where he worked extensively. His detailed, carefully arranged compositions gained him recognition among collectors. His vanitas paintings are now held in major museums and collections worldwide, serving as timeless meditations on life’s transience. The present painting is a classic vanitas still-life painting by Evert Collier, filled with symbolic objects that convey themes of mortality, the fleeting nature of life, and the emptiness of earthly pleasures. Here’s a breakdown of its elements and meanings: Skull – A universal symbol of death, reminding viewers of life's transience. Extinguished Candle – Represents the passing of time and the inevitability of death. Hourglass – Reinforces the idea of time running out, a common theme in vanitas paintings. Violin – Suggests the temporary nature of music and artistic achievements. Wine Glass – A reference to indulgence and fleeting pleasures, which will not last beyond life. Playing Cards and Dice – Symbols of chance, luck, and the unpredictable nature of life. Rose – A symbol of beauty and love, but also of decay as it withers over time. Latin Inscription – "Vanitas Vanitatum et Omnia Vanitas" (from Ecclesiastes 1:2), meaning "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity." This biblical phrase reinforces the idea that worldly pursuits are ultimately meaningless. Collier’s vanitas still life serves as a memento mori, a reminder of human mortality and the fleeting nature of wealth, power, and pleasure. The rich, detailed composition invites contemplation about what truly matters in life.

Dimensions:
Height: 29 in (73.66 cm)Width: 34 in (86.36 cm)
Medium:
Oil
Movement & Style:
Old Masters
Circle Of:
Evert Collier (Dutch)
Period:
17th Century
Condition:
Gallery Location:
Stoke, GB
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU446315748762

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