Still Life with Armour, Violin, Sheet Music and a Vase of Flowers

Oil on canvas

82 x 118 cm.

Framed: 97 x 134 cm.

The work is accompanied by an expert report drawn up by Prof. Emilio Negro (Bologna)

The painting on offer, with its striking composition and finely rendered details, depicts a still life comprising an opulent display of precious objects: the scene is set between a curtain with gold fringes and a wooden console table, upon which rests a marbled silk drape with a gilded edge, part of a ceremonial suit of armour – specifically a plumed helmet and a dark shield with gold borders – and a violin with its bow. Further to the right, the composition is completed by an open sheet of music with rolled-up pages, upon which rests a candlestick whose candle has broken as it fell, and a precious embossed metal vase brimming with colourful flowers.

The entire composition is skilfully orchestrated with a theatrical flair, set in a dark interior – a choice that accentuates the contrasts of light and highlights the dense texture of the paint used to depict the details of the objects on display.

The particular selection of objects likely allows us to interpret the work allegorically, placing it within the tradition of the so-called ‘Vanitas’ genre, and thus aiming to lead the viewer to reflect on the futility of vain glory and earthly riches.

As for the pictorial characteristics of the work, we can readily attribute its authorship to a 17th-century Italian painter, attentive to detail and stylistic refinements drawn from the teachings of the finest contemporary Flemish masters and those of previous generations. Also striking are the clear post-Caravaggesque Roman influences, evident in the bold contrasts of light and the dense, exuberant brushwork.

These elements allow the painting to be attributed to Antonio Tibaldi (Rome, c. 1635 – documented until 1675), a talented painter and follower of Francesco Fieravino, known as ‘il Maltese’, who specialised in this genre of rich, spectacular compositions saturated with precious details, characterised by very specific recurring elements, such as lavish tapestries, draperies, musical instruments, books, clocks, fruit, flowers and other precious collectable objects.

Tibaldi worked mainly in Rome, where his presence and the renown he achieved are attested by the numerous prestigious commissions he received: his works are still housed today in the most important public and private collections, such as those of the Albani, Barberini, Chigi and Colonna families.

To confirm the attribution proposed here, one need only compare our captivating ‘Still Life with Objects and Fruit’ with other similar works by Antonio Tibaldi: for example, the well-known ‘Still Life with Tapestries, Metal Vases and a Violin’ and ‘Still Life with Tapestries, Metal Vases and a Bronze Statue’ (both in Ajaccio, Musée Fresh) and the ‘Still Life and Living Scene with a Maltese Dog, Tapestries, a Statue, a Clock and Sheet Music’ (signed ‘Ant. Tibaldi’, formerly London, Christie’s, 18 December 1998, lot 297) and also the “Still Life with Clock, Vase of Flowers, a Lute, a Guitar…” signed (Dorotheum, Vienna, 23 October 2018, lot 205, https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/6002367/ ).

In excellent condition.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The work is sold with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet.

We arrange and organise the transport of purchased works, both within Italy and abroad, using professional and insured carriers.

Please contact us for any further information; we will be delighted to assist you. It is also possible to view the painting at our gallery in Riva del Garda; we would be delighted to welcome you and show you our collection of artworks.

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