Bolognese School, 17th Century

Purchased in Bath, 1951 by
Michael Ingram (bears his mark, verso, not in Lugt),
by whose executors sold, London, Sotheby's, 8 December 2005, lot 53

Laid down on old mount. The paper is a little wrinkled where it has been attached to the backing sheet. It is also somewhat abraded at the edges. The drawing appears once to have been folded along the upper and right edges, and horizontally at the centre. The sheet is foxed, and there is some light staining. However, the chalk is still strong and fresh.
"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 figure, drawn from a posed studio model, could have been intended for use in a composition such as The Return of the Prodigal Son (for a painting of this subject by Guercino, see L. Salerno, I Dipinti del Guercino, Rome 1988, p. 348, fig.2 78), or perhaps for an Adoration of the Shepherds (see, for example, the painting by Cesare Gennari, reproduced E. Negro et al., La Scuola del Guercino, Modena 2004, p. 232, fig. 378, where a very similar, but older, figure appears).