Spanish school; XVIII century. "Still life". Oil on canvas. Relined. Measurements: 50 x 74 cm; 63 x 87 cm (frame). The still life that occupies us sinks its roots in the baroque still life. We are in front of a variegated composition centered in a clearly delimited space, in which the illusionist taste of the painter stands out, who superimposes some elements on others, thus creating the typical baroque trompe l'oeil. The still life in Spain was one of the most characteristic genres and, due to its special peculiarities, it is clearly different from the same theme in workshops in the rest of Europe. The term appeared at the end of the 16th century, and stands out in this school for its austerity, in clear contrast with the Flemish sumptuousness, although with a series of influences from the latter and the Italian school. Sánchez Cotán's works were so successful that his style had numerous followers (Juan de Espinosa, Antonio Ponce, Juan van der Hamen y León, etc.). In this context, the Spanish school contributed its own particularities, thanks, above all, to Velázquez and Zurbarán. Highly appreciated within the antiquarian market, as well as among collectors and art historians, the Spanish Baroque still life school enjoyed a spectacular development, leaving behind the splendors of the 16th century and progressing within a fully Baroque and clearly identifiable style. In Spain, the development of the genre was clearly marked by Italian influence, specifically by the contribution of the Neapolitan school. Currently this school is considered one of the most outstanding within the Baroque still life.