Reichsfreiherr and Reichsgraf Marshal Johann Matthias von der Schulenburg, Venice, by 1738;
Thence by descent to his nephew, Christian Günther von der Schulenburg, Berlin, until 1765;
Thence by descent in the Schulenburg Family, Hannover;
By whom sold, London, Sotheby's, 10 December 1986, lot 31;
There acquired by a private collection until 2016.

Possibly Hannover, Niedersächsisches Landesmuseum Hannover, circa 1950-1980.

A. Binion, La Galleria scomparsa del maresciallo von der Schulenburg: un mecenate nella Venezia del Settecento, Milan 1990, p. 194, under the 1738 inventory of Schulenburg's collection in Venice (as Cavalier Calabrese);
J.T. Spike, Mattia Preti: catalogo ragionato dei dipinti, Taverna 1999, p. 160, cat. no. 71, reproduced.

Canvas is lined. A dramatic image presents well. A horizontal line about 5 in. from the top edge runs from the right edge to left. A similar horizontal line, about 24 in. from the bottom edge runs from the right edge to left. Paint has slightly thinned on the darker hues that are in shadow, like the beard of the figure. Inspection under UV reveals retouching along the aforementioned horizontal lines. Retouches are scattered throughout, with several areas that appear to be repairs, like below the chin of the sitter at right, on the sleeve at center far left, and on the robe of the sitter at bottom right among others. Painting is offered in an ebonized frame with a gold inner and outer liner.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Mattia Preti, a Baroque artist practicing in Italy and Malta, was known for immortalizing religious and philosophical scenes in his paintings.  This work, which dates to circa 1653-60, was made during Preti's Neapolitan period when he was inspired by Jusepe de Ribera's paintings. Preti dramatizes this realistic depiction of Saint Frances through its bold use of chiaroscuro, as a half-moon shaped shadow is casted on his face, emphasizing the enlightenment he reached through the rays of God.  The nocturnal effect Preti created in this composition is similar to a painting in a private collection that has been dated to 1656-60 and depicts Saint Peter with keys.¹ 1. See J.T. Spike, Mattia Preti: catalogo ragionato dei dipinti, Taverna 1999, p. 160, cat. no. 317, reproduced.