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.
Gold Seller
Premium sellers maintaining a 4.3+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2009
1stDibs seller since 2016
166 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 2 hours
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
$2,642 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
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 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
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
A view at Tivoli
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
John Rathbone (1750-1807)
View at Tivoli
Signed lower right
Oil on Canvas
Canvas size - 18 x 24 in
Framed size - 24 x 30 in
John Rathbone was born in Cheshire in 1750 and worked as ...
Category
18th Century Old Masters Landscape Paintings
Materials
Oil
$6,742 Sale Price
50% Off
You May Also Like
Flowers Still-life Scacciati 17th Century Paint Oil on canvas Old master (3/3)
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Andrea Scacciati (Florence 1642-1710)
Composition of flowers within embossed vase (2 of 3)
oil on canvas
130 x 90 cm
In antique frame 145 x 105 cm.
Work with expertise by Prof. Emi...
Category
17th Century Old Masters Paintings
Materials
Oil
$13,216 Sale Price
20% Off
Rare 18th Century English Still Life of Grapes and Peaches
Located in Harkstead, GB
A rare and most attractive still life by William Smith of Chichester. The sumptuous textures of the peaches and grapes contrasting with the dark ba...
Category
18th Century Old Masters Still-life Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
$4,878 Sale Price
44% Off
Free Shipping
The Misunderstanding - Still Life with Honey Bee on Edge of Crystal Decanter
By Matthew Cook
Located in Chicago, IL
While still life painting can be dated back to the Ancient Egyptians, this still life takes on a modern theme. A crystal decanter and whiskey glass are set upon a piece of fraying tapestry. The curiosity comes when the viewer takes a closer look to discover a bee has flown in and is perched precariously on the neck of the decanter. This piece is framed in a heavy wooden frame with a gold insert. The framed dimensions are H 14.5 x W 16.5 inches.
Matthew Cook...
Category
2010s Old Masters Still-life Paintings
Materials
Oil, Panel
A Very Difficult Game Indeed - Still Life with References to Alice in Wonderland
By Matthew Cook
Located in Chicago, IL
"The chief difficulty Alice found at first was in managing her flamingo: she succeeded in getting its body tucked away, comfortably enough, under her arm, with its legs hanging down,...
Category
2010s Old Masters Still-life Paintings
Materials
Oil, Acrylic
Young Girl after Sir Thomas Lawrence, Regency portrait painting
Located in Brecon, Powys
Charming work in the Regency style, mid 19th Century after Sir Thomas Lawrence. High quality painting. Old Christie's Stencil to verso. Would grace any home, suitable for contempor...
Category
Mid-19th Century Old Masters Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Vanitas III - Still Life Painting of a Human Skull & Flowers, Oil on Aluminum
By Matthew Cook
Located in Chicago, IL
Inscription on back of drawing:
Laughter is mad, and reckless mirth—
What does she in this weary earth?
Should Wealth, or Fame, Our life employ.
Death comes, our labour to destroy;
...
Category
2010s Old Masters Still-life Paintings
Materials
Oil, Acrylic
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Candle Still Life
Antique Skull
Golden Classic Watch
Black Antique Vanity
Antique Violins
Holland And Holland Watch
Wine 17th
Allegory Of Death
Glass Skull
Glass Violin
Antique Books Amsterdam
Old Antique Vanity
Violin Instrument
Antique Hourglass
Candles Glasses Painting
Still Life With Violin
17th Century Watch
Musical Instruments Violins