This work is an antique vanitas still life oil on canvas. It is 30" x 21-1/2" sight, 36" x 27" framed. It is signed lower left, but I have been unable to identify the artist. There is a label on the back for the Schillay & Rehs Gallery in New York with inventory #3429.  It's clearly a vanitas work. It looks like blood is dripping below the end of the sword, the ancient Roman of the relief sculpture has his eyes closed, etc. I have thought that it's the work of an Italian artist: Roman relief, amphora, the "zz" in the signature: however, the c. 1630 Dutch bronze pricket candle holder, sword, shells, and textile remind me of works by Harmen Steenwyck, so possible it's Dutch. I have asked several painting experts, and there is no agreement among them regarding the dating. Opinions vary from 1650 to 1850. I think that the curtain pulled down to reveal the Roman relief is inventive and effective. I believe that the stretcher is probably original and that it was later cut back so that it could be keyed. Also included in the sale is "La natura morta italiana 1560-1805," the essential book on Italian still life painting by Luigi Salerno.