Lot 103
  • 103

Girolamo Francesco Maria Mazzola, called Parmigianino

Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 USD
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Description

  • Girolamo Francesco Maria Mazzola, called Parmigianino
  • Studies of the Head of Christ, and two apostles
  • Pen and brown ink
  • 2 1/2 x 4 inches

Provenance

Sir Peter Lely (L.2092);
Jonathan Richardson Senior (L.2184), on his mount, reduced;
with Wildenstein & Co. Inc., New York

Condition

Laid down on the remains of the J. Richardson mount and then hinged onto a modern mount. There is evidence of very light foxing and surface dirt throughout. The pen and ink medium is very good and fresh. Sold in a giltwood frame.
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.

Catalogue Note

A beautifully executed pen and ink drawing largely consisting of three head studies, the present sheet must date from Parmigianino’s late Roman period, circa 1526-27.  The carefully calligraphic handling of the pen, with delicate and distinctive short strokes, and crosshatching to define the features of the strongly lit faces, is typical of other finished sheets by the artist.  The attention is focused on the heads, which surely represent Christ and two Apostles.  It could be a study related to Parmigianino’s composition of Christ, surrounded by Apostles, healing lepers, known from a drawing at Chatsworth,1 and datable to the same moment, used by Niccolò Vicentino for his chiaroscuro woodcut in the same direction (B. XII, p. 39,15).  

1. Chatsworth, The Devonshire Collection, inv. no. 335; A.E. Popham, Catalogue of the Drawings of Parmigianino, New Haven and London 1971, vol. I, pp. 204-5, reproduced vol. II, pl. 133