Giovanni Battista Tiepolo

Possibly Conti Valmarana, Vicenza

All corners cut . A few creases at top and bottom margins and vertical fold to the left towards the margin. Several yellow spots to the centre right and lower part of the drawing . Generally in good condition, ink and wash quite strong.
"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."

Among the known series of Tiepolo's caricatures there is a set of thirty-two drawings which are believed to have been in the collection of the Conti Valmarana.  James Byam Shaw and George Knox thought that the fifteeen caricatures in the Robert Lehman collection most probably came from that source.  The present sheet can be closely associated with the Lehman group, which is now in the Metropolitan Museum. It appears to be of similar size, executed in the same technique, and also with the corners cut.  Many of the Lehman drawings are also caricatures of figures seen from behind.¹

1. J. Byam Shaw and G. Knox, The Robert Lehman Collection, VI,  Italian Eighteenth Century Drawings, New York 1987, nos. 97-111, all reproduced