Giulio Pippi, called Giulio Romano

Acquired by Philip Pouncey in New York;
thence by inheritance to his wife, Myril Pouncey;
her estate sale, New York, Sotheby's, 21 January 2003, lot 8

Sold in attractive gilt wooden frame (not seen out of frame). There is a small vertical tear from the upper edge leading to the right of the figure's forehead. Another two small tears in the lower half of the right edge. There is some very light, pale foxing but otherwise the condition is fine, the ink strong and fresh.
"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 characteristic study by Giulio, its monumental pose clearly inspired by the antique, does not seem to be connected with any surviving work.  A late drawing, it is stylistically reminiscent of the figure of the enthroned Jupiter, flanked by Neptune and Venus, in a fresco decoration in the Sala of the last Mantuan house inhabited by Giulio.¹  Giulio purchased the house in March 1538 and the Sala was the only room he decorated.

Giulio was one of the most influential of all the pupils of Raphael, not only as a painter but also as a draughtsman and architect.  Perhaps the greatest monument to his many-sided artistic personality is the Palazzo Te in Mantua, which he designed and decorated during the 1530s for the Duke Federico II Gonzaga.

1.  See Giulio Romano, exhibition catalogue, Mantua, Palazzo Te, 1989, reproduced p. 228, and pp. 481-485