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Lombard school of the 18th century, still life painting with musical instruments

Description
Great Italian painting from the first half of the 18th century. Oil on canvas artwork from the Lombard school depicting a splendid musical still life, of notable pictorial quality. We see violins, guitars and lutes portrayed with great precision and magnificent illusionistic details such as the dust on the instruments. We also recognise a musical score and some books by Torquato Tasso lying on a marvellous carpet reproduced in minute detail. The inventor of the genre was the great painter Evaristo Baschenis (1617-1677) and the musical instruments allude to the temporary pleasure of music, memento mori as a metaphor for the transience of life and the time that passes by depositing a veil of dust on the instruments. Scenic 19th century frame in carved, lacquered and gilded wood, with some signs of aging. Painting already restored with relining, replacement of the frame and repainting of the colour in small spots. Overall in good state of conservation. Internal size H 75 x W 110 cm.