Pier Leone Ghezzi

Window mounted. Very slight and minor scattered foxing and a few light small brown stains. The sheet has been made up at the top left corner. There is a brown ink stain at the center right hand margin. The paper has very slightly darkened along the left margin, possibly where the sheet was glued to an old mount. The ink from the verso is slightly visible on the recto. There is a tiny loss were the ink is biting the paper below the collar to the left of the figure of the boy in the foreground. The medium remains vibrant and fresh and image 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.
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 manner in which Ghezzi has executed these charming studies, drawn from life, is quite different in style and technique to his caricatures.  Here he handles his subject matter in a much looser way than their more print-like quality.  He has depicted the boy in the background using brief, staccato strokes and the general finish is sketchier than in the bold and more detailed study in the foreground.  The boy at the front has his head tilted downwards, most likely also in the act of writing a letter, and possibly another study of the same child.  The boy in the foreground is reminiscent in style and technique of the figure of a man wearing a hat and apron in another drawing by Ghezzi, sold in these Rooms in 1995.¹

1.  Sale, New York, Sotheby's, 10 January 1995, lot 86