Lot 19
  • 19

Baldassare Franceschini, called Il Volterrano

Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 GBP
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Description

  • Baldassare Franceschini, called Il Volterrano
  • Figure of a boy, half-length, climbing a wall
  • Red and white chalk, on light-brown paper

Provenance

Purchased from Parsons, 1910

Exhibited

London, Royal Academy, Old Master Drawings, 1953, no. 140 (as Domenichino);
London, Royal Academy, The Paul Oppé Collection, 1958, no. 388 (as Domenichino);
Ottawa, The National Gallery of Canada, Exhibition of Works from the Paul Oppé Collection, 1961, no. 120 (as Domenichino)

Condition

Laid down. There is a small loss to the sheet at the left margin in the centre. There are a few dark red ink stains at the lower margin towards the right corner - possibly studio stains. There is a small tear near the lower left corner and another one at the upper left corner. Light scattered foxing throughout the sheet. Red chalk remains strong and vibrant and overall image is good.
"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."

Catalogue Note

This charming study of a young boy climbing or holding onto a ledge may relate to Volterrano's fresco cycle for Villa Petraia in Florence.  There are two figures of young boys who are both climbing up the side of a triumphal arch in the fresco of Cosimo I entering Siena.  The boys are clearly trying to obtain a better view of the procession by hoisting themselves up the side of the column.  The Oppé sheet does not directly relate in terms of actual pose to either of the two boys, but it is plausible that this red chalk study, which is clearly for a secular subject, may have been a preparatory drawing for one of the frescoes in this commission.