Description
Few drawings exist from the mid-1400s in Italy, and most that have are figure and drapery studies from artist's model books. So this sheet is extremely important as one of the few known compositional studies by a major artist from this period. Stylistic comparison to other drawings by Lippi and the fact that it relates to a fresco painting by him of the same subject confirms its authenticity.
Provenance
Possibly Giorgio Vasari, Arezzo; Paul Oswald, Locarno; Carl O. Schniewind, Zurich and Chicago (1922 (?)); possibly Ludwig Rosenthal, Bern and Munich (ca. 1936); with Dr. F. A. Drey, Munich (ca. 1936); with P & D Colnaghi, London (1936); Colonel Norman Colville, London; with P & D Colnaghi, London; with Dr. August Maria Klipstein (1885-1951), Bern (ca. 1947); with Richard H. Zinser, Forest Hills, NY. (1947)
Accession Number
1947.70
Medium
pen and brown ink with brush and brown wash with traces of stylus over traces of black chalk
Dimensions
Sheet: 24.9 x 19.3 cm (9 13/16 x 7 5/8 in.); Secondary Support: 24.9 x 19.3 cm (9 13/16 x 7 5/8 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund
