Items Similar to A Vanitas still life
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 6
A Vanitas still life
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:
- Movement & Style:
- Circle Of:Evert Collier (Dutch)
- Period:
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:Stoke, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU446315748762
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2009
1stDibs seller since 2016
172 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 1 hour
Associations
LAPADA - The Association of Arts & Antiques DealersInternational Confederation of Art and Antique Dealers' AssociationsThe British Antique Dealers' Association
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Andover, United Kingdom
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllStill life of fruit and nuts
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
James Shaw (fl.1769-1784)
Still life of fruit and nuts
Oil on canvas
Canvas Size - 13 1/2 x 17 3/4 in
Framed Size - 16 1/4 x 20 1/2 in
Born in Sedgley in Staffordshire, it is unclea...
Category
18th Century Old Masters Still-life Paintings
Materials
Oil
$2,698 Sale Price
54% Off
A Tompe l'oeil still life of hanging birds
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
English School, c. 1800
Still life of hanging birds
Oil on panel
Panel size - 8 x 6 in
Framed size - 12 1/2 x 10 1/2 in
This trompe-l'œil still life is a striking example of illusio...
Category
19th Century Old Masters Animal Paintings
Materials
Oil
$1,000 Sale Price
37% Off
Still life of fruit on a woodland bank
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
G Gray (Early 19th Century)
Still Life of Fruit
Oil on panel
Signed
Painting Size 17.5" x 20" (44.4 x 50.8cm)
Framed Size 23 x 26 in
Category
Early 19th Century Victorian Still-life Paintings
Materials
Oil
Still Life of a Copper Pan and Pewter Jug
By François Bonvin
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
Francois Bonvin (1817-1887) French
Still Life of a Copper Pan and Pewter Jug
Oil on Canvas
Indistinctly Signed
9.5” x 16” (24 x 40.7cm)
Bonvin was bor...
Category
19th Century Still-life Paintings
Materials
Oil
'Prime Minister' with jockey John Shepherd up, and owner Sir Mark Sykes
By Henry Bernard Chalon
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
Henry Bernard Chalon (London 1770-1849)
'Prime Minister' with jockey John Shepherd up, and owner Sir Mark Sykes
Signed and dated 'H.B. Chalon pinxit 181...
Category
Early 19th Century Old Masters Animal Paintings
Materials
Oil
Italian landscape with Monte Socrate (after Jan Both)
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
Richard Bankes Harraden (1778-1862)
Italian landscape with Monte Socrate (after Jan Both)
Signed and dated 1823 on the reverse
Oil on canvas
Canvas size ...
Category
18th Century Old Masters Landscape Paintings
Materials
Oil
You May Also Like
Flowers in a Vase by Otto Vautier - Oil on Canvas - 46x55.5 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Otto Vautier the Younger was born in 1893 into a distinguished family of Swiss artists. He was the son of Louise Marie Schnell and Otto Adolphe Paul Vautier, a respected painter affi...
Category
1910s Old Masters Still-life Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
19TH CENTURY CONTINENTAL SCHOOL OIL PAINTING WOOD PANEL STUDY OF A SAINT
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
19th Century Continental School
A study of a saint
Medium ; oil on panel
Size: 26" x 12" inches
Category
19th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings
Materials
Oil
17th Century Italian School Still Life of Fruit on a Marble Ledge with a Ewer
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
17th Century Italian School.
A Still Life of Fruit on a Marble Ledge, with a Ewer to the side,
Oil on Canvas, Unframed,
22" x 26.5" (56 x 67.3cm).
Con...
Category
17th Century Old Masters Still-life Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
FLOWERS - Carlo De Tommasi - Still Life Oil on Canvas Italian Painting
By Carlo De Tommasi
Located in Napoli, IT
Flowers - Carlo De Tommasi Italia 2007 - Oil on canvas cm. 80x50. With frame cm. 100x70
Frame available on request from our workshop.
In this precious oil painting, Carlo De Tommasi ...
Category
Early 2000s Old Masters Still-life Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
18th century portrait of a Spaniel dog with fruit in a wooded landscape.
By Tobias Stranover
Located in Woodbury, CT
Outstanding early 18th-century portrait of a seated Spaniel dog in a landscape with an array of fruits.
Attributed to the work of Tobias Stranover.
...
Category
1730s Old Masters Animal Paintings
Materials
Oil
$31,600 Sale Price
20% Off
Free Shipping
STILL LIFE - Giovanni Perna - Dutch School - Oil on Canvas Italian Painting
By Giovanni Perna
Located in Napoli, IT
Still life - Giovanni Perna Italia 2006 - Oil on canvas cm.60x80
In this beautiful oil on canvas Giovanni Perna was inspired by the paintings of the Spanish painter of Dutch origin ...
Category
Early 2000s Old Masters Still-life Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Antique Stills
Golden Classic Watch
Antique Violins
Black Antique Vanity
Wine 17th
Antique Books Amsterdam
Antique Hourglass
Violin Instrument
17th Century Watch
Antique Memento Mori
17th Century Wine Glasses
Vintage Les Nereides
Vintage Meat Scales
Vintage Multiplier Reel
Vintage Olympia Typewriter
Vintage Original Posters Otis Redding
Vintage Patisserie Sign
Vintage Peeping Tom