- 108
ANNIBALE CARRACCI | Study of a Head, possibly after the antique
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 EUR
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Description
- Annibale Carracci
- Study of a Head, possibly after the antique
- Black chalk heightened with white chalk on grey paper; an indistinct study of a head in black chalk on the verso ;bears numbering in pen and brown ink, lower right : 8
- 201 by 275 mm; 8 by 10 7/8 in
Provenance
Sale, New York, Sotheby's, 23 January 2008, lot 147
Acquired at the above sale by the present owner
Acquired at the above sale by the present owner
Condition
Several large tears and losses which have been repaired with strips of cardboard stuck to the verso. Paper very coarse. Verso spotted with old glue. Foxing and scattered staining especially at the margins. Media still strong. Sold in a modern gilded and black frame.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
This strong and confidently drawn head study has a sculptural quality which suggests it might be a copy after the antique. Annibale Carracci drew great inspiration from classical statuary and was able to successfully fuse the art of the past with his own innovative and dynamic style. This fusion is effectively demonstrated in the present study where wide flat forms are used to build up the face, simulating the modulations of sculpted marble, alongside more realistic features, such as the free flowing curls of hair which add life and movement to the drawing.
The impact of classical sculpture on Annibale's work can be seen in all its glory in the decoration of the ceiling of the Farnese Gallery. For a learned and in-depth account of Annibale's drawings after classical sculpture see Aidan Weston-Lewis, 'Annibale and the Antique' Master Drawings, vol. 30, no. 3, 1992, pp. 287-313.
The impact of classical sculpture on Annibale's work can be seen in all its glory in the decoration of the ceiling of the Farnese Gallery. For a learned and in-depth account of Annibale's drawings after classical sculpture see Aidan Weston-Lewis, 'Annibale and the Antique' Master Drawings, vol. 30, no. 3, 1992, pp. 287-313.