Carlo Maratti

Laid down on a board. The top made up sometime ago with a strip of paper to add 2/3 cm to the drawing. From the edges the paper has faded to a lighter blue. Two studio stains on brown ink at the bottom. Slight foxing and a few lighter stains at the top right. Overall chalk 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.
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.

Maratti was the last exponent of the classical tradition of Roman painting. He arrived in Rome in 1636, and in the following year entered the workshop of Andrea Sacchi, where he was trained to draw and copy the great masters, starting with Raphael, whose work was highly influential in the formation of Maratti's style.  This sheet of studies of putti is quite characteristic of his graphic style, as is the use of red chalk on blue paper.  Although it must have been made as a preparatory study, it does not seems to be related to any known work by the artist.