Alessandro Casolani

Earl of Warwick (L.2600);
sale, London, Sotheby's, 3 July 1989, lot 79

Window mounted. There are some old repairs to the sheet in particular to the upper left corner and centre left margin. There are some old stains and areas of surface dirt throughout. The black chalk medium remains strong throughout.
"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."

It was suggested in 1989 that the figure studies on the verso may be preliminary for the standing figure in the foreground of Casolani's fresco in the Oratorio di Santa Caterina in Fontebranda, Siena (fig. 1), on which work began in 1582. Indeed, this link seems all the more likely given the close connection that can also be drawn between the kneeling man facing away from the viewer in the fresco and the kneeling figure on the recto of the present sheet