ATTRIBUTED TO CATERINA DE JULIANIS (CIRCA 1695-1742), ITALIAN, CIRCA 1700PORTRAIT OF CARLO SPINELLO (1579 - 1614) |

wax on slate ; in a later tortoiseshell marquetry and gilt bronze frame inscribed in the wax: Carlo Spinello dei Duchi di Cafiro Villara P. di Cariati

Formerly in John Nicholas Brown collection, New York, thence by descent
Christie's New York, 10 January 1995, Lot 35 

Overall in very good condition with minor surface dirt and wear. Fissures to the armorial section on left side. Some glue residue around the neck. Not inspected outside frame. Some splitting to tortoiseshell frame and slightly open but stable joints.
"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."

An inventory dating to 1727 records in Bishop Emanuele Spinelli's palace four wax reliefs by Caterina de Julianis from the Chiesa dell' Immacolata, in Catanzaro. The bishop may have commissioned a series of portraits of his illustrious ancestors, among which this one of Carlo Spinello (see. E.J. Pyke, A Biographical Dictionary of Wax Modelers, Oxford, 1973, p. 73).