Still-Life of Musical Instruments

The Leidener Pieter de Ring successfully adopted Jan Davidsz. de Heem's compositional schemes and styles. De Ring's works, particularly his fine, large 'pronk' (sumptuous or ostentatious) still-lifes, have been confused with his model. His custom of signing his still-lifes with a ring helps distinguish them. But this clue is not fail-safe. The ring has been known to have been painted out by dealers and collectors who wanted their de Ring to pass as a de Heem.

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 6 minutes): Giuseppe Torelli: Sonata a cinque in D Major No. 7