Giovanni Battista Foggini

The paper of this drawing shows signs of handling--minor stains and creases--but the sheet is essentially sound. There is a sharp horizontal crease across the center and some tiny paper losses caused by the iron-gall ink. There is some foxing also along the center and in the upper half of the alterpiece--which appear somewhat lighter in the illustration. A central vertical crease is visible mainly on the verso. The drawing is sold unframed.
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.

A design for the reliquary of S. Sigismondo which Foggini executed for the Medici Chapel in the church of S. Lorenzo, Florence.  The reliquary, which was registered on the 24 September 1719, is made of ebony, silver, bronze gilt and pietra dura and is still in the Treasury of the church today.  The present drawing must be an early design for the project, as the Louvre has a more elaborate design which is closer to the finished object: with two figures and a central cartouche added above the upper arch.¹

We are most grateful to Dr Jennifer Montagu for her help in the cataloguing of this drawing.

1. See Gli Ultimi Medici: Il tardo barocco a Firenze, 1670-1743, exhib. cat., Detroit and Florence 1974, pp. 354-5, cat. no. 198a