Vanitas Still Life
The Met
Artist: Edwaert Collier(Dutch, Breda ca. 1640?–after 1707 London or Leiden)
Date: 1662
Department: European Paintings
Classification: Paintings
Medium: Oil on wood
Dimensions: 37 x 44 1/8 in. (94 x 112.1 cm)
Credit Line: Purchase, 1871
Visual Descriptions
AI GeneratedVisual Summary
Brief Description
Still life featuring a globe, open books, musical instruments, a skull, and a framed portrait
Detailed Description
The painting depicts a dark, rectangular still life composition arranged on a draped table. The table is covered with a rich, reddish-brown fabric, gathered and folded, against a dark, muted background. In the upper right, a heavy, dark brown curtain is draped, partially revealing a faint architectural structure with an open doorway behind it. Dominating the upper center is a large, light-colored terrestrial globe with detailed dark markings, resting on a dark, ornate stand. To its right, a large, thick book lies open, displaying two pages of text. The right page features a decorative initial and the visible phrases "DIE DERDE DEELENDE DAT TWEEEDE DEEL" and "JESUS HEEFT HAVE SOME". Partially visible beneath this book, on the far right, is a human skull. In the mid-ground, a violin with its bow rests diagonally across the table, its light brown wood contrasting with the darker elements. To the left of the violin, a quill pen lies next to an open document with a map-like drawing. Nearby are a small, dark chalice, a bundle of light-colored fabric tied with a ribbon, and a string of white beads with a red tassel and a small cross. Scattered among these items are a small compass and several coins. To the right of the violin, a dark, ornate metal object and a small, closed book are visible. A wind instrument with a flared end extends towards the lower right corner. In the foreground, a framed portrait of a man with a beard and a white collar, looking slightly left, is prominently displayed. Below the portrait, the inscription reads: "JACOB CATS RAADTPENSIONARIS VAN HOLLANDT EN WESTVRIESLANDT". An open sheet of musical notation lies to the right of the portrait. The overall palette is dominated by dark browns, reds, and grays, with lighter accents of the books, globe, and portrait.
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