Antonio Curati, brother of Carlo, who in turn was a benefactor of the hospital, had already left the Maggiore hospital goods and land he owned in Linate (Milan) several years before his death, in exchange for a life annuity. At his death, in 1836, the portrait was commissioned from the painter Pietro Narducci, who performed other works for the hospital picture gallery and represented him in the style of the classic portrait, in his studio, sitting between the table and the fireplace.