Salvator Rosa Arenella, Naples 1615 - 1673 Rome

Probably Queen Christina;
thence by inheritance to Decio Cardinal Azzolini and Marchese Pompeo Azzolini;
Prince Livio Odescalchi;
thence by descent to Prince Ladislao Odescalchi

Berlin, Galerie Gerda Bassenge, 1974, cat. no. B40

Michael Mahoney, The Drawings of Salvator Rosa, New York and London 1977, vol. I, p. 158, cat. no. 4.3, reproduced vol. II

Possibly cut from a larger sheet. Laid down on page from a little album which bears number in pen and brown ink: 40; also in modern hand in pencil: M4.2 and 5000. Black chalk framing lines certainly a later addition. What looks like a crease across middle on left side does not seem to be one. Surface pretty clean, and general condition otherwise good.
"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."

Mahoney places this in a group of relatively early figure studies about which he writes: 'The pen outlines of the figures have assumed the dexterous and cursive quality that will be found in Rosa's drawings for many years to come'.¹

1. Mahoney, op. cit., vol. I, p. 157