Francesco de' Rossi, called Francesco Salviati

Unframed. The paper had a horizontal tear across the lower centre of the sheet, which along with other cracks in the upper half (ie vertically through the left figure's arm and torso, and running horizontally between the left figure's back and through the waist of the figure to the right) has been neatly restored. Also some tiny pin prick holes to lower left. The surface is somewhat abraded near the edges of the sheet, and the ink is slightly sunk in parts.
"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 intriguing drawing appears to be a fragment of a larger sheet.  Although unconnected, the figures may have appeared in the background of a grander composition, possibly made in preparation for a fresco.  Stylistically, the sheet is comparable to a drawing by Salviati of Apollo and Marsyas in the Szépmûvészeti Múzeum, Budapest, in which we see the same figure types and same use of wash to create the rocky forms of the landscape.¹

1.  See C. Monbeig Goguel, Francesco Salviati (1510-1563) o la Bella Maniera, exhibition catalogue, Rome and Paris 1998, p. 206, cat. no. 73