Sebastiano Lazzari (Active in Verona, second half of the 18th century), Pair of trompe l'oeil still lifes

Signed or inscribed on one: B.L.both oil on canvas, unframed (2). each: 19 by 24 1/2 in.; 48.26 by 62.23. Estimate 20,000—30,000 USD.

NOTE: This pair of trompe l'oeil still lifes appears to be amongst the earliest works of Sebastiano Lazzari, an artist recorded as active in Verona in the second half of the 18^th century. He specialized in particular in the present kind of work, still lifes set against highly detailed spruce pine planks, otherwise known as 'finto asse'. Placed against the planks are various objects often seen in Lazzari's compositions: ocular devices, mathematical and astronomical sketches, musical instruments, as well as other more traditional objects such as fruit and vegetables. In the present pair, the picture with the stacked fruit also contains a thin piece of wood, possibly a ruler, bearing the initials B.L. Given the tendency in the 18^th century for Italian men to shorten their name to 'Bastiano', it is probable that this clear and prominently positioned monogram is in fact Lazzari's, confirming the attribution to the artist. Additionally, in that same picture, a letter drapes over the table, reading, "A sua Eccellenza. Il sig.^v Demetrio Strattico. Sarg.^te Gente di Battaglia Govern.^v dell' Armi di Ver[ona]. The individual referenced in this note, Demetrio Strattico was in fact an army officer living in Verona during Lazzari's lifetime, suggesting that the present pair was either commissioned, or more probably painted as a gift by Lazzari for a high ranking officer in the artist's hometown.

Lazzari's highly personalized approach to trompe l'oeil painting proved successful in the Veneto region, as demonstrated by the activities of his followers and imitators Francesco Bossi, Giovanni Battista Bertoldi and the artist known only by the monogram GF (a comparable picture by this follower of Lazzari can be seen, F.Zeri, La Natura Morta in Italia, Milan 1989, p. 381, cat.no. 453).

Sotheby's. Important Old Master Paintings, Including European Works of Art. 29 Jan 09. New York www.sothebys.com photo courtesy Sotheby's