Valerio Castello

Probably in the collection of late eighteenth-century Swedish collector Gustaf Adolf Sparre (1746–1794) but not identifiable in his 1794 inventory, and probably hung in Kulla Gunnarstorp;
Thence by family descent, until sold, London, Sotheby's, 6 December 2007, lot 117, where acquired by the present owners.

Kristianstad, Kristianstads Museum, Ur Gustav Adolf Sparres konstsamling på Wanås, 12 February – 6 March 1977, no. 2 (as Pietro da Cortona).

G. Göthe, Tafelsamlingen pa Wanås, Stockholm, 1895, p. 11, no. 2 (as Pietro da Cortona);
S.T. Kjellberg, Slott och Herresäten i Sverige. Skåne, vol. 3, Malmö 1966, p. 344 (as Pietro da Cortona);
I. Hasselgren, Konstsamlaren Gustaf Adolf Sparre 1746–1794, Göteborg 1974, p. 124, reproduced p. 162 (as Pietro da Cortona);
C. Manzitti, Valerio Castello, Turin 2004, p. 156, no. 141, reproduced p. 258, under no. D41.

The canvas been relined, resulting in a flattened paint surface. There are traces of good quality impasto. The paint surface is secure, stable and clean. Old stretcher marks are faintly visible along each edge. Small repairs along the edges to losses, probably due to frame abrasion, are visible. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals an even varnish and scattered retouchings in the sky, particularly at the upper left. There is a retouching visible in the head of God the Father, as well as minor and localised retouchings to the body of the figure at lower centre. A second, earlier, campaign of restoration can be seen scattered in the garments of the four figures along the lower edge. The works is offered in a carved and gilt molded neo-classical style frame with a two finely carved floral swags hanging from the top edge. Overall in good condition, despite a few minor knocks and losses.
"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."

Traditionally ascribed to Pietro da Cortona, this picture was recognized as a work by Valerio Castello by Nicholas Turner on the basis of an old photograph kept at the Witt Library, London. Camillo Manzitti, who was the first to publish it, dates it to the mid-1650s, and suggests that it may have belonged to a series dedicated to recurrent Old Testament themes.¹ The attribution to Castello was confirmed on the basis of photographs by Dr. Mary Newcome-Schleier at the time of the 2007 sale.

A drawing sold New York, Sotheby's, 28 June 2001, lot 41, is likely to be a preliminary idea for the composition.²

1. See under Literature.
2. Idem, p. 258, no. D41, reproduced.