Lombard School, 17th Century

Sale, London, Sotheby's, 6 July 1978, lot 34 (as Italian School, 17th Century), purchased by Ralph Holland

Hinged on four sides to a modern mount. Areas of loss along right edge and top right corner made up.
"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."

It has not been possible to identify this very idiosyncratic draughtsman, but the subject of the composition would suggest it could be by a Lombard artist.  Carlo Borromeo was canonised in 1610.  Ralph Holland noted a comparison with a large painting by Cerano in the Duomo, Milan, of Carlo Borromeo distributing to the poor the money he obtained from the sale of his own property in the principality of Oria, near Naples.  In the Cerano too, men bearing sacks of coins approach the Cardinal up a staircase.¹

1.  Il Seicento Lombardo, Catalogo dei dipinti e delle sculture, exhib. cat., Milan, Palazzo Reale, 1973, pp. 26-28, no. 33, reproduced fig. 45