Circle of Polidoro da Caravaggio

Jonathan Richardson, Jr. (L.2170);
John Skippe,
by descent to Edward Holland Martin,
his sale, London, Christie's, 20-21 November 1958, lot 151A (as Perino del Vaga, Noli Me Tangere)

 

L. Mortari, Francesco Salviati, Rome 1992, p. 22, no. 296, reproduced (as Francesco Salviati)

Laid down on the old mount, which probably was a Richardson one, but cut down. Paper worn, especially at right edge. Stain at top left corner; small holes above head of Christ. A crease at top edge above Thomas's head and several creases or tears at right edge.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This very charming study seems to be by an artist in the circle of Polidoro, but very little is known of the drawing styles of those painters who worked in his orbit, such as Stefano Giordano, Pietro Negroni and Deodato Guinaccia. The composition differs notably from Polidoro's impressive painting of the subject now in the Courtauld Institute, London.¹

Mortari (loc. cit.) incorrectly states that the drawing was catalogued as Salviati in the Skippe collection and sale, and she mentions that Konrad Oberhuber accepted that attribution.

1. P. Leone de Castris, Polidoro da Caravaggio, exhib. cat., Naples, Capodimonte, 1988-89, p. 94, no. VIII.1, reproduced