Neapolitan School, first half of the 17th century, attributed to Giacomo Recco, Still Life of Flowers in a Carafe, a Copper Basin with Glasses and Carafe, Fruit, Taralli and a Glass Bottle. Estimate $80,000–120,000.
This elegant still life, that beautifully showcases an arrangement of flowers, fruits, and various other objects, is also an exquisite example of an Old Master’s selfie. The glass that floats on the copper basin reflects the self-portrait of this unknown artist. The figure that appears within the convex shape of the voluptuous body of the vase is reminiscent of Parmigianino’s Self-portrait in a Convex Mirror (circa 1524) in the
Kunsthistorisches Museum
, Vienna. Though the identity of this artist has so far eluded scholars, we can still admire his indisputably accomplished hand with the present still life and self-portrait he cleverly painted. – Alexa Armstrong
