Giulio Pippi, called Giulio Romano

With Galerie de Bayser, Paris; acquired in 1997

Mantua, Palazzo Te, Perino del Vaga, 2001, no. 5, reproduced

Handbook of the International Fine Art Fair, New York, The Armory, May 1996, reproduced p. 47 

Laid down, considerable wear all over; some tears, esp at left edge. Seems to be a crease at bottom left corner, inside line of corner. Generally not in good condition.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This is Giulio's design for an octagonal fresco in the vault of the Loggia of the Palazzo Te in Mantua, which is decorated with stories from the life of King David.¹  The Loggia was never completed with the statues that were originally planned for it, and has suffered from the effects of the elements.  A document records that the two scenes of Bathsheba at her Toilet and Bathsheba Bathing were painted not by Giulio himself, but by Rinaldo Mantovano, between 21 April and 25 November 1531.²  Linda Wolk-Simon, in her entry in the Perino del Vaga exhibition catalogue, describes this sheet as characteristic of the style of drawings which Giulio made for his assistants to use in the execution of the paintings and stucchi at the Palazzo Te.
 
There is an etching of this composition, in reverse and octagonal in form, by Jean-Baptiste Corneille.³

1. F. Hartt, Giulio Romano, New Haven 1958, vol. II, fig. 335

2. Hartt, op. cit., vol. I, p. 150

3. See S. Massari, Giulio Romano pinxit et delineavit, Rome 1993, p. 293, no. 285, reproduced