Giovanni Battista Tiepolo

Hinged to the mount at the upper right margin. The top two corners of the sheet have been cut. The sheet has a tear at the bottom right hand corner and part of the sheet is missing, this is visible in the image in the catalogue. Scattered foxing, mainly concentrated towards the upper margin in the center of the sheet. Overall the pen and ink and wash remain fresh and vibrant and the image is strong. Mounted and sold in a simple 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.
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.

The older man, paired with the naked figure of a young woman, may represent Time, although he has not been given the distinctive attributes, as he usually was in other drawings of this subject by Giambattista.  Stylistically this drawing may date from circa 1735-36 as it seems close to the study, formerly in the collection of Prince Alexis Orloff, of the Martyrdom of St. Agatha, which is related to Giambattista's altarpiece in the Basilica di Sant'Antonio, Padua.¹

1.  D. von Hadeln, The Drawings of G.B. Tiepolo, New York 1970, no. 21, reproduced (as Martyrdom of S. Giustina)