Ippolito Scarsella, called Scarsellino

John Grenville-Temple, San Diego, by 1911 (according to a label on the reverse);
With Joseph Mayo, Beverley Hills, by 1959;
From whom purchased by Dr. George H. Walker, San Diego, in 1959.

The painting has an old relining which is stable. The canvas is rather coarse with a vertical canvas seam visible just right of center. The paint surface is dirty under an old, yellowed varnish and would benefit from a clean. There is an old repaired damage in the upper left corner, just below the star that has been filled and repainted. Inspection under UV reveals scattered, minor retouched losses though a reading is largely impeded by the thick discolored varnish. Offered in a carved gilt wood 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.

This beautiful and previously unpublished canvas is a mature work by the artist. The host of angels in the upper section are typical of Scarsellino, yet the intense realism in the treatment of the figure of Joseph is from a later moment in his career, at the very beginning of the Baroqe period, and the cool light and Venetian coloration betray the influence of the younger Ferrarese painter, Carlo Bononi.