Follower of Luca Giordano

Rev. Thomas Schreiber, England (in Toronto by at least 1852);
by inheritance to daughter Mrs. G.W. (Adelaide Schreiber) Allan, Toronto;
Gifted to the Art Gallery of Ontario by Mrs. G.W. Allan, 1906.

Oil on canvas, with an older lining. Seams, potentially from previous folding or rolling, are visible across the picture surface. These include a horizontal seam extending from left to right thru Seneca's knee; another seam 4 in above; and another horizontal seam extending from the kneeling woman's eye thru Seneca's chest. Two vertical seams extend from the top of the canvas through to the center. The work is covered by surface dirt and a thick discolored varnish. There is a web of craquelure over the entire surface that is in many places puckering or textured, with associated lifting and losses. Abrasions at the extreme edges and visible at the lower left corner. Areas of retouching are visible to the naked eye in the background and in the area above and between the figures heads. Older discolored retouches throughout. Under UV light, the majority of the work is covered by a thick green fluorescing varnish that obscures the picture surface. Some retouches around the previously mentioned seams are visible. One larger area of retouching in the background above the female figures head. Framed in an ornate Italian 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.

The original of Luca Giordano's Death of Seneca hangs in the Alte Pinakothek, Munich. This composition was traditionally ascribed to Jusepe di Ribera, the original bearing a false signature Jusepe De Ribera Español F. 1645. In 1908, Mündler and Bayersdorfer proposed the attribution of Giordano, which was later accepted by Reber in the 1911 Catalogue of the Pinakothek, and subsequently by Beruete, dell'Ozzola and Venturi. A date of 1650-1653 for the original was proposed by Bologna in 1958.