Pasquale Ottino,  Italian 1578-1630-  Christ saving souls i

Lot description

Pasquale Ottino, Italian 1578-1630- Christ saving souls in Purgatory; oil on slate, bears indistinct inscription 'Io Anto: Papa ò venduto il Presente Quadro / dipinto dà Pasqual Ottino al Illustre[?] Sig[?] Dottor[?] / Giorgio Zuccalmaleo l'Ano 1769= 10 giugno' on the backing board, 47 x 38.8 cm. Provenance: Antonio Papa, Italy. Zuccalmaglio Family, Italy (purchased from the above). Private Collection, UK. Literature: Dr Enrico Maria Guzzo is currently writing an article on the present work, to be published later in 2026. Note: The present work depicts the subject of 'Christ in Limbo' or 'Christ saving souls in Purgatory', and is a magnificent late work by Pasquale Ottino. Ottino was a prominent Veronese artist in the early 17th century, who studied under Felice Riccio (1542-1605) alongside his contemporary Alessandro Turchi (1578-1649). The present work is a characteristic example of his highly dramatic compositions, defined by a sharp chiaroscuro which is enhanced by his use of a slate panel, deepening the sense of the darkness of the black background. Indeed, this painting recalls a strikingly similar painting, also on a slate panel, depicting Christ's deposition from the cross, which sold at Christie's, London, on 9 July 2003, lot 101 (£94,850). The inscription on the backing board appears to translate as 'I, Antonio Papa, sold this painting by Pasquale Ottino to Illustrious[?] Mr[?] Doctor[?] Giorgio Zuccalmaleo, dated 10 June 1769'. Zuccalmaglio likely refers to the noble Veronese family of the same name. We are grateful to Dr Enrico Maria Guzzo for confirming the attribution of the present lot and for his assistance in preparing the catalogue entry.