Luca Giordano, called Fa Presto

Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, 10 July 1998, lot 73.

The canvas has a recent relining, which has resulted in a flattened surface. The paint surface is secure and very clean. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals a cloudy and even varnish. A retouching in the right hand, measuring approximately 2 by 3 cm, and a retouching in the parchment below the little finger, approximately 5 by 3 cm, are revealed. Further very few and very small scattered retouchings are visible in the hands, parchment, body and face. Overall there is very little retouching and the work is in good condition. The work is offered in a gilt molded frame in good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This is a youthful work by Giordano manifesting the influence of Ribera on his early output. It may have originally formed part of a set of canvasses depicting other philosophers such as Heraclitus. A variant is in a private collection in Padua (for which see O. Ferrari and G. Scavizzi, Luca Giordano. L'opera completa, Naples 1992, vol. I, p. 254, cat. no. A23c, reproduced vol. II, p. 473, fig. 89).