Giovanni Battista Discepoli, called Lo Zoppo da Lugano

On the London art market;
With Galleria Bigetti, Rome;
From whom purchased in circa 1984-85, by the father of the present owners.

In overall good condition. The canvas is relined, the paint surface is dirty and the varnish is slightly discoloured. There is a superficial, vertical scratch approx. 17 cm. from the right-hand margin running between the putti's wing and arm. Some parts of the central figure's blue robe have degraded slightly. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals retouching scattered along all four margins, as well as small retouchings to the flesh tones of the putti and central figure, predominantly to her face, chest and arms, to reduce the appearance of craquelure. There are a handful of other small retouchings scattered in the background. Offered in a carved and moulded gilt wood frame with minor 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."

Discepoli, a Swiss-Italian painter nicknamed 'Lo Zoppo' on account of his limp, was a pupil of Camillo Procaccini who worked mainly in Milan. This is a rare, secular subject by the artist. Similar putti more usually appear as angels in many of Discepoli's religious works, but here the putto upper left with the brazier represents Winter, that with the grapes is Autumn, to the upper right with the ears of corn is Summer, and below that, the putto holding out flowers personifies Spring.

We are grateful to Dott. Alberto Crispo for endorsing the attribution to Zoppo di Lugano and for his help in the cataloguing of this lot. Dr. Crispo will be dedicating a forthcoming article to this painting.