Lot 323
  • 323

Luigi Garzi

Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • Luigi Garzi
  • Recto: St. Bonaventura preaching to a crowd and pointing towards a vision of a Saint, with the arms of Pope Alessandro VII, Chigi, below;Verso: Study for the figure of a deacon and separate studies for the head and bust of a woman and an owl
  • Black chalk (recto and verso), squared in black chalk for transfer (recto);
    bears old pen and brown ink inscription, verso: Composizioni per quadri / Santi e martiri
  • Black chalk (recto and verso), squared in black chalk

Provenance

Sale, London, Sotheby's, 13 July 1972, lot 34, purchased by Ralph Holland

Exhibited

Newcastle, 1974, no. 82;
Newcastle, 1982, no. 66

Condition

Few new hinges only to the right margin.Trace of an old fold in the middle reinforced with a piece of paper from the verso. The paper has slightly discolored in that small section in the middle but it is not very noticeable. A small extra bit of paper is added at the bottom margin. The top edge is uncut and there are two very small holes at the top, most probably the drawing was pinned on a wall. A stain to the back of the man in the foreground. Overall in quite good condition.
"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."

Catalogue Note

The coat of arms below the Saint in glory is that of Pope Alessandro VII, Chigi (1655-1667).  The attribution was first proposed by Philip Pouncey.  Ralph Holland recorded in his notes the existence of another drawing by Garzi, also attributed by Pouncey, which subsequently appeared on the London art market.1  Also double sided, that drawing has on the recto (fig. 1) a sketch for the same composition as the present sheet. 

1. Sale, London, Phillips, 4 December 1989, lot 70