Roman School, 17th Century

Purchased in London, circa 1960

Newcastle, 1974, no. 74 (as Giovanni Maria Morandi)

Laid down on an old mount, the back of which seems to be a French document. Top left corner made up. Small hole bottom right corner. Bottom left corner small repair.
"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."

Ralph Holland noted a similarity in the composition of this drawing and a horizontal painting of the subject, now in the Borghese Gallery, by Giovanni Maria Morandi.¹  His attribution was accepted in 1968 by Ellis Waterhouse, who had published an article on the artist.  In 1993, however, Nicholas Turner suggested that it was by Claude Simpol (Saint-Paul), on the basis of comparison with a drawing which the British Museum had recently purchased.²  Although the comparison with the Morandi painting is interesting, the style of this grisaille seems very different from his work.  The association with Simpol is not convincing as this seems definitely by an Italian hand.

1.  E. Waterhouse, Roman Baroque Painting, Oxford 1976, fig. 58

2.  Inv. no. 1992,1003.1