He was born to a family of artists. He is best known forĀ still lifes, most commonly of musical instruments. This could explain his friendship with a family with notable violin makers fromĀ Cremona.Ā Still-lifeĀ depiction were uncommon as a thematic among Italian painters prior to the 17th century. Baschenis, along with the more eccentric 16th century painter MilaneseĀ Arcimboldo, represents provincial outputs with idiosyncratic tendencies that appear to appeal to the discernment of forms and shapes rather than grand manner themes of religious or mythologic events. For Arcimboldo, the artifice is everything; for Baschenis, the items, man-made musical instruments, have a purpose and a beauty even in their silent geometry. One source for his photographic style of still life could beĀ Caravaggio's early painting of peaches, or alternatively, Dutch paintings. The most faithful imitator of his style is a younger contemporary Bergamese,Ā Bartolomeo Bettera. Baschenis is a contemporary of the Bergamese portrait artist,Ā Carlo Ceresa, and appears to have been influential for the Modenese artistĀ Cristoforo Munari.
Category
Fine Art
Condition
Excellent
Date Period
17th century
Size and dimensions of this item
roughly 24x48 inches
Long Description
For Sale?
No