Edwaert Collier

The canvas has a wax relining. As a result of the relining the picture is slightly pressed in areas, though this is not overwhelming. An old tear in the canvas is visible under UV, and only slightly visible to the naked eye through discolored retouches , visible in the whites of the painted newspaper where the tear existed. The tear is visible in two thin lines under UV, one running eight inches across, and the other 6 inches down, with the two lines meeting a common point. Otherwise, only a few scattered retouches are apparent along the periphery of the canvas. These are not obviously visible to the naked eye. In a carved giltwood frame with minor chips.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Collier's trompe l'oeil still lifes are remarkably naturalistic, yet unlike his vanitas still lifes, they have seemingly random and entirely informal arrangements of objects which appear to have no message. Probably born in Leiden, Collier entered the Guild of St. Luke in 1673, but trained primarily in Haarlem. His early works show the influence of Pieter Claesz. and Vincent Laurensz. van der Vinne. He moved to London on May 2, 1693, but probably returned to Holland before his death in 1707. Upon his subsequent return to Holland, Collier seems to have painted his trompe l'oeil still lifes with exclusively Dutch motifs. When in England he used both the Dutch and English forms of his signature indiscriminately: Edward (as in the present picture) and Edwaert/Edwaerd.