Lot 346: Edward Collier (Breda c.1640-1710? Leiden?)

Edward Collier (Breda c.1640-1710? Leiden?)
Omnia Vanitas: a book with a paper marker inscribed VITA BREVIS ARS LONGA, a glove, an open copy of 'Description of the World', a pewter standish with a candle, and a pamphlet from 1698, on a table
signed and inscribed on a letter 'Mr E. Collier/Painter att/London' (center), inscribed 'E. Collier pinxt' (upper right) and inscribed 'His Majesties most gracious Speech To both Houses of Parliament' (on the pamphlet)
oil on canvas
29½ x 25 in. (75 x 63½ cm.)

Anonymous sale; Christie's, London, 14 March 1975, lot 95.
Anonymous sale; Sotheby's, London, 13 December 1978, lot 95.

The present lot is one of at least three similar paintings by Collier of the same political speech delivered by William III to Parliament, regarding the disbandment of the army (one is located in the Tate Gallery, London, inv. no. 5856 and the other sold at Sotheby's, London, 7 July 2005, lot 129). Collier's signature is typically on the letter addressed to himself, which in the present painting is located next to the box of seals.

We are grateful to Professor Dror Wahrman for assisting with the catalogue entry and confirming the attribution of this work, on the basis of photographs (private communication, 2 November 2009).