Circle of Bartolomeo Bettera

Both unlined canvases are stable and the paint surfaces are secure. There are only very few minor pinpoint losses and retouchings scattered throughout. There are some slightly more concentrated retouchings at the margins, likely only there to reduce the visibility of old stretcher marks. This pair are in excellent neat original condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This pair of musical still lifes, that likely originally served as overdoors, are a product of a tradition popularized by Bettera's fellow bergamasco Evaristo Baschenis (1607-1677), who was responsible for introducing this genre into the Bergamo School of painting in the 17th century. The popularity of musical themes among the artists of this region can be explained by the proximity to Bergamo of the important Lombard stringed instrument manufacturing centre, Cremona.

An attribution to Bartolomeo's son and pupil, Bonaventura Bettera (Bergamo 1663-1718), has been suggested by Alessandro Morandotti.