Ambrosiana

Still Life with Musical Instruments Evaristo Baschenis (1617-1677)

Still Life with Musical Instruments

Evaristo Baschenis (1617-1677)

  • TITLE

    : Still Life with Musical Instruments
  • AUTHOR

    : Evaristo Baschenis (1617-1677)
  • INVENTARIO

    : 150
  • DATE

    : c. 1660 - 1670
  • TYPE

    : Painting
  • TECNIQUE

    : Oil on canvas
  • DIMENSIONS

    : 82 × 127 cm
  • SUBJECT

    : Still life
  • SCUOLA PITTORICA

    : 17th century painting
  • ROOM

    : Atrio di passaggio 2 piano

In this painting, a sumptuously elegant drape is lifted to reveal a still life with musical instruments, with many symbolic meanings: on a table covered with a red cloth, the pattern of which is beautifully rendered, there is a spinet, on which an archlute and a musical score have been placed. In the middle ground, we see a violin with its bow and an apple, which creates a particular note of colour, and a mandora can be seen on the right. Scholars have pointed out how the instruments used are those required to perform a sonata for soloist and thorough-bass. It is also worth noting Baschenis’s technical skill in rendering the thin layer of dust on the mandora on the right. Dust shows that the instruments have not been used, suggesting the absence of music. The work thus acquires the significance of a vanitas, a reminder of the transience of life, and the silent instruments allude to the fleeting experience of our senses.

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  • TITLE

    Still Life with Musical Instruments
  • AUTHOR

    Evaristo Baschenis (1617-1677)
  • INVENTARIO

    150
  • DATE

    c. 1660 - 1670
  • TYPE

    Painting
  • TECNIQUE

    Oil on canvas
  • DIMENSIONS

    82 × 127 cm
  • SUBJECT

    Still life
  • SCUOLA PITTORICA

    17th century painting
  • ROOM

    Atrio di passaggio 2 piano

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