Giovanni Battista Tiepolo

The sheet has a repaired loss over the head of the second satyr and a tear to the right margin just below the same head. It was previuosly glued at the four corners and the sheet must have been at some point cleaned, traces of staining and foxing still visible scattered over the entire sheet.
"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."

In the work of Giambattista Tiepolo, this type of sheet with various composite studies of heads is rather rare in comparison to the artist's more familiar studies of single heads. These drawings were made for their own sake and for the artist's amusement.  Only a few examples have survived of these beautiful and virtuoso mises en page including fantastic and exotic heads.  A similar drawing including the head of Medusa and a satyr was on the London art market in 1996.¹  Another, similar sheet of studies of fantastic heads, mostly wearing fanciful hats, was sold in New York, Sotheby's, 25 January 2012, lot 95. 

1. Sale, London, Christie's, 2 July 1996, lot 165