Italian school; XVIII century.

Italian school; XVIII century.
"Still life".
Oil on canvas. Relined.
Measurements: 48 x 72 cm; 59 x 84 cm (frame).
This painting, belonging to the Italian school of the eighteenth century, is a still life that shows a typical composition of the genre, highlighting the detailed and careful representation of everyday objects. At the center of the work is a woven basket containing shiny chestnuts, surrounded by an onion with exposed roots, a turnip with green leaves, and a glass bottle. The use of chiaroscuro emphasizes texture and volumes, creating a dramatic contrast between light and shadow, bringing depth and realism to the scene. The arrangement of the elements is balanced, guiding the viewer's eye through the details of each object.
The still life, or still life, was an essential genre in 18th century Italian painting, although it did not always receive the recognition of other categories such as religious or historical painting. Such works focused on the beauty of the everyday, elevating simple objects to a higher artistic level. They reflected an interest in close observation of nature and the artist's technical ability to capture textures and materials with realism.
In Italy, the still life also served as a space for experimentation with light, color and composition. It represented a dialogue between tradition and modernity, showing influences from movements such as the Baroque. In addition, these works often contained symbolism, suggesting themes such as the transience of life, abundance, or the connection with nature. In this sense, the genre was not only important as a technical exercise, but also as a form of philosophical and cultural reflection.