Still Life, Workshop Of Antonio Tibaldi (rome, 1635 - 1675)

Antonio Tibaldi (Rome, c. 1635 - post 1675) Workshop of
Still Life with Armour, Curtains and Sculpture

Oil on canvas
53 x 77 cm. - in frame 65 x 89 cm.

Beautifully scenic painting depicting a still life composed of an opulent display of objects, including several fine curtains embroidered and trimmed with gold trimmings and fringes, parts of a dark parade armour with gold borders, sculptures, an altar adorned with winged sphinxes and precious chiselled metal vases.

These images, in addition to the aesthetics of the decoration, are imbued with allegorical meanings, so much so that these compositions can be interpreted as refined Vanitas: in fact, they are a kind of allegory that probably invited the observer to meditate on the futility of vain glory (which here is symbolised by the weapons or the altar) or earthly riches (the precious objects and fabrics).

The pictorial characters declare its execution by a capable 17th century painter of the Italian school, whose characters evoke the teachings of the best Flemish masters of previous generations. The evident Roman post-Caravaggesque influences are evident in the contrasts of light and the dense pictorial material, all of which allow the painting to be attributed to the circle of Antonio Tibaldi (Rome, c. 1635 - post 1675), a skilful painter and follower of Francesco Fieravino known as the Maltese and therefore a highly regarded painter of still lifes similar to those of his master.

Active mainly in Rome, the painter was extremely prolific and enjoyed extraordinary success with the collectors of the time. His presence and the notoriety he achieved are testified by the many compositions that have been returned to him in recent times, kept in the most important public and private Roman collections of the time, such as those of the Albani, Barberini, Chigi and Colonna families.