Roman School, late 16th Century

With W.R. Jeudwine, London, Exhibition, 1963, no. 2 (as Tuscan School),
from whom purchased by Ralph Holland

Newcastle, 1982, no. 18 (as Attributed to Pasquale Cati)

Laid down. A small loss to the bottom of the left edge. Some rubbing and small tear and pin point loss to the upper left corner. Possibly a small stain covered with gouache at the top right. Some rubbing to the right and bottom margins. Overall pen and ink and wash still fresh
"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."

This appears to be the work of one of the artists active in Rome at the time of Pope Sixtus V (1585-1590).  Although Ralph Holland proposed an attribution to Pasquale Cati, it does not seem to be by the same hand as other drawings which can be connected to works surely attributed to that artist.¹

1.  J.A. Gere and P. Pouncey, Italian Drawings in the...British Museum, Artists working in Rome c.1550 to c.1640,  London 1983, vol. I, p. 47, no. 58, reproduced vol. II, pl. 54; C. Romalli, 'New Proposals for Some Late Mannerist Drawings and Frescoes in Rome,' Master Drawings, XLVII, no. 1, 2009, pp. 90-92