Edwaert Collier - Vanitas Still Life with Sword, Terrestrial Globe and Musical Instruments

Edwaert Collier

Vanitas Still Life with Sword, Terrestrial Globe and Musical Instruments

Oil on panel. 32 x 26.5 cm.
Signed and dated lower right beside the music score: E. Collier 1696 / f..

Edwaert Collier is one of the most celebrated masters of Flemish vanitas still lifes. This signed and dated depiction from 1696 features one of his typical compositions, in which elements such as the open book leaning on the back of a mandolin are presented prominently in front of a terrestrial globe and other instruments arranged on the table. The Latin quote on the note attached to the pillar in the background reveals the true message of the painting to the viewer: "Do not forget that you are mortal".
We would like to thank Dr Fred G. Meijer, Amsterdam, for kindly confirming the authenticity of this piece upon examination of digital photographs.

Provenance

Private collection, Netherlands.