Lot 17: Donato Mascagni, called Fra Arsenio (Florence 1579-1636)

Donato Mascagni, called Fra Arsenio (Florence 1579-1636)
Joseph being sold by his brothers
signed with initials and dated 'DONATO MASCHAG.υNυi/FACEVA NEL 1602' (lower left)
oil on canvas
51 5/8 x 80¼ in. (131.2 x 204 cm.)

Dizionario enciclopedico dei pittori e degli incisori italiani, VII, 1983, p. 259.

(Probably) Cardinal Richelieu Collection.
Anonymous sale; Christie's, London, 17 November 1950, lot 141 (45 gns to Paez).

THE PROPERTY OF A SOUTH AMERICAN COLLECTOR

Mascagni was a pupil of Jacopo Ligozzi (1547-1627) who later worked with Guido Reni (1575-1642) at the Quirinale in Rome. He is also documented as having worked in Salzburg and the present work, especially the landscape in the background suggests exposure to and knowledge of Northern art. In 1602, the year this work was painted, Mascagni is documented as working on a commission for the convent of Valladolid. Three years later he joined a monastery.
The 1950 auction catalogue notes that the painting was in the collection of Cardinal Richelieu (1585-1642).