Giovanni Battista Tiepolo

Koch Collection (according to label pasted to back of frame);
Howard Spensley Sr (d. 1902),
by inheritance to his son, Howard Spensley Jr (d. 1938),
by inheritance to his daughter, Ethel Fairchild (d. 1959),
by inheritance to John Brevant Gluckman,
by whom sold, London, Bonham's, 13 December 1990, lot 53
 

The sheet is in good condition . It is hinged to a modern mount at the top and it must have been cleaned at some point. Tiny foxing at the top and a tear repaired at the bottom right. Sold in a gilded modern wooden frame.
"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 drawing has been associated with Giambattista's Scherzi di Fantasia, a series of etchings the dating of which has been debated, but which was probably conceived and executed in the late 1740s and continued into the 1750s.  Groups of Orientals can be seen in similar poses, for example in the etching Sei persone guardano un serpente.¹  Although reminiscent of those compositions, the present sheet cannot be definitely related to them, but must have been drawn at the same period in Giambattista's career.

1. A. Rizzi, L'opera grafica dei Tiepolo, Le acqueforti, Milan 1971, p. 56, no. 15