Edward Ladell was a still life painter who lived in Colchester, Essex. He went on to exhibit his work at the Royal Academy from 1856-86, the British Institution and Suffolk Street. Ladell's pictures are always easily recognizable, as he used the same props in most of his paintings, such as a bird's nest, a casket or carved mug. Although Ladell is now very popular, and his work frequently comes on the market, practically nothing is known of his life. He is in fact regarded as the finest Victorian still life painter.