Follower of Pier Francesco Mazzucchelli, il Morazzone

Anonymous sale, New York, Sotheby's, June 08, 2007, lot 235;
Whereby acquired by the present owner.

There is an old glue relining. under extremely dirty and uneven old varnish. there is a large crudely repaired horizontal tear in upper background that is visible to naked eye. in addition, there are numerous scattered, old fills and other repaired smaller tears and punctures which give the picture an uneven surface. despite this, quite good passages of paint remain and figure reads well and presents a strong and striking image. under ultraviolet, it is impossible to see through the old, dirty varnish, but most of the old restorations are visible to naked eye. all of these have been crudely done and could be done much more skillfully . this painting has obviously not been attended to in a very long time and would benefit from sensitive restoration. In a plain black wood frame with gilt inner trim. numerous nicks and losses to frame.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Jacopo Stoppa has suggested the possibility that the present work reflects one of the figures of the four Evangelists, or "prophets," known to have been painted in a fresco by Morazzone 1603 - 1604 in the Collegiata di Santa Maria Vergine, Arona.  First mentioned in 1656 and more specifically in 1823, these frescoes were destroyed along with the choir in a reconstruction of the Collegiata, 1855-1858.¹  Each of these four figures also included differing inscriptions, and the inscription on the present painting, Diligite Alterutrum, or, "Love Each other." 

1. See, J. Stoppa, Il Morazzone, Milan 2005, p. 182; and I. Rejna, Memorie intorno al Sagro Monte e Colosso di San Carlo sopra Arona, Novara 1823, p. 42.