Jacopo Negretti, called Palma Il Giovane

With Hal O'Nians, London, from whom purchased by Ralph Holland

Newcastle, 1960, no. 5;
Newcastle, 1964, no. 13;
Newcastle, 1982, no.16

Window mounted. The sheet has been torn at the lower margin in the centre and has been made up with another piece of paper on the verso. There is also a small hole in the background figure, this again has been made up by a small piece of paper on the verso. There are a few brown stains on the sheet, one located at the lower left margin, one in St Francis' cloak and another underneath the arm of the figure in the background. There is a small circle of what appears to be white gouache just above the signature, perhaps covering an old stain. The medium remains relatively fresh and despite the tears in the sheet the image is still 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. 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."

The present study for St. Francis does not appear to be directly related to any of Palma's surviving paintings.  In his notes, however, Ralph Holland compares the composition with the painting of The Stigmata of St. Francis in San Rocco, Bergamo, executed in 1595.¹  Another drawing by Palma of the same subject and stylistically very similar to the present sheet was sold, London, Christie's, 14 April 1992, lot 104.

1.  S. Mason Rinaldi, Palma il Giovane, L'opera Completa, Milan 1984, p. 76, no. 28, reproduced p. 277, no. 222