Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, called Guercino

Giuseppe Vallardi (L.1223)

Window mounted. Overall in good condition and media strong. Slight discoloration around the edges. Sold mounted and framed in a gilded modern 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. 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."

Portrait drawings by Guercino are very rare, and the present sheet must surely have been drawn from life.  The sitter, studied half length, is seen in profile, wearing a wide turn-down collar.  His head is bald at the top and he has a moustache and a short pointed beard.  The figure does not correspond to one in any known painting, and this must surely be a portrait study, made for its own sake.  A comparable head-and-shoulders portrait study in red chalk, showing an elderly gentleman, also in profile, is in the Royal Collection at Windsor Castle.¹

^1. Windsor Castle, Royal Library, inv. no. 2931; D. Mahon and N. Turner, The Drawings by Guercino in the Collection of Her Majesty the Queen at Windsor Castle, Cambridge 1989, p. 117, no. 316, reproduced fig. 283