Jacopo Negretti, called Palma Il Giovane

Jonathan Richardson, Jun. (L.2170);
Purchased from Meatyard, 2 August 1923

Laid down. Overall in good condition. A few light brown stains otherwise pen and ink strong and vibrant.
"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 vibrant sheet, very characteristic of Palma's rapid pen and ink studies, consists of two unrelated figure drawings.  The upper study appears to be related to the figure in the middle foreground of the artist's 1598 painting of The Brazen Serpent, in Siena, while the lower figure seems to be connected to the man in the right foreground of the Martyrdom of Saint Catherine (1590-95) (fig.1), in the Venetian church of the Frari.¹

^1. S.M. Rinaldi, Palma il Giovane, L'opera completa, Milan 1984, cat. nos. 292, and 442, reproduced, figs. 250 and 192 respectively