Pamono Ippolito Scarsella, Holy Family with St John, 1600, Oil on Board, Framed> Old Masters|Classical

Ippolito Scarsella, known as Lo Scarsellino (Ferrara, c. 1550 – 1620), workshop
Holy Family with the Infant Saint John the Baptist

Oil on arched panel
46 x 29 cm. – in a 75 x 55 cm temple frame

An ancient label on the back

This interesting work illustrates one of the most sought-after iconographic subjects in the Christian tradition, presented here according to an ancient and time-tested scheme. We see the Virgin, majestic, at the center of the scene, holding a plump child, who offers a small bird (tradition holds it to be a goldfinch, one of the symbols of Christ’s Passion) to Saint John the Baptist to pet.

Completing the Holy Family, we glimpse Saint Joseph in the shadows, separated from the loving daily routine depicted in the foreground, placidly leaning on his staff.

Regarding the stylistic characteristics of this small panel, it is easy to discern the influences of 16th- and 17th-century Emilian painting, which leads us to confirm its traditional attribution to Ferrarese artist Ippolito Scarsella (c. 1550–1620), undoubtedly one of the most important artists of this pictorial context.

It could likely be a preliminary sketch for a more complex execution, or a painting intended for domestic devotion.

It is a pleasant panel, although it does not illustrate any iconographic complexity, imbued with the late Mannerist style still present in the early 17th century, characterized by a gentle religiosity, conveyed through a studied simplicity and grace.

The work is presented in good condition, with a healthy and stable paint layer, with a few small defects and flaws that do not detract from its value.

The small temple frame, old but not from the period, is also in excellent condition with some signs of aging.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The painting is sold with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet.