GIULIO CARPIONI (ITALIAN 1613-1678 )JOSEPH PARDONS HIS BROTHERS, C. 1660Oil on canvas95 x 129cm (37¼ x 50¾ in.)Provenance:Noble Collection, ItalyThis work is an unusual example of a privately commissioned large scale painting depicting a religious subject. The story of Joseph was often depicted by16th and 17th century Italian artists and it can be assumed that this work is part of a now lost series by the artist portraying the life of Joseph. Carpioni has chosen to place the scene in a contemporary Venetian style palazzo setting with columns and Italianate architecture in the background. This contemporary feeling is further enhanced by the boldly coloured 17th century clothing each figure wears, this would have been done to allow for a contemporary Italian viewer to further understand the message of the picture. Giulio Carpioni was most likely born in Venice in 1613 and trained under the artist Alessandro Varotari known as Il Padovanino. After travelling to Rome early in his career he settled in Vincenza in 1638 where he executed the majority of his works. Works by Carpioni can be found in public collections and museum across the world. The artist is today most known for his Bacchanal scenes with an important example in the Museo Thyssen -Bornemisza. The discovery of this work adds a new facet to Carpioni's known oeuvre.Professor Bernard Aikema has confirmed the attribution of this work.