Antiquarian Still Life Oil Painting with Books and Musical Scores

This is an original oil painting on canvas executed in a traditional Trompe-l'oeil or Vanitas style, likely dating from the late 19th to early 20th century. The composition features a scholarly arrangement of leather-bound books, an open musical manuscript, a feathered quill pen with an inkpot, and a tall brass candlestick holder set against a dark, moody background. The palette is dominated by earthy siennas, ochres, and deep blacks, reflecting a classical academic or Dutch-inspired technique. The artwork is housed in a substantial and ornate composite frame, which features floral corner moldings and a unique alternating black and gilded finish. Significant condition issues are present, most notably a puncture or tear located in the upper-left quadrant of the canvas, which has compromised the structural integrity of the fabric. The frame displays visible wear, including loss of gilding, dust accumulation, and minor chipping to the plaster or gesso elements. A signature, possibly reading 'T. Henry' or similar, is visible in the lower-left corner. The overall craftsmanship suggests a trained hand, utilizing layering techniques to achieve realistic textures on the paper and leather, though the canvas requires professional conservation due to the physical damage.