- 63
LUCA GIORDANO | Recto: The birth of the VirginVerso: Various figure studies
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
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Description
- Giordano
- Recto: The birth of the VirginVerso: Various figure studies
- Red chalk (recto and verso) on red tinted paper
- 320 by 211 mm
Provenance
John Auldjo (L.48)
Condition
Hinged to the mount at the left margin. A repaired tear running horizontally across the centre of the sheet, repair visible verso. Ink splash/stain at the lower right margin, possibly a studio stain. Creases at either side of the central repaired tear. Slight staining and creases at the four corners where sheet was previously laid down. Brown staining on the verso and areas of white pigment remnants possibly where sheet was once laid down and was subsequently removed. Red chalk remains strong and vibrant despite the above condition issues. The drawing is sold unframed.
"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."
"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
The recto of the present sheet is closely related to Luca Giordano's painting of the same subject in the church of Santi Apostoli in Naples, painted in 1690.1 The drawing is highly characteristic of a very attractive aspect of Giordano's draughtsmanship. The sheets are often tinted red where he has used a red powder to rub the surface of the paper creating a subtle tint, before drawing on the surface.
It has not been possible to connect the studies on the verso of this sheet with any particular projects but the artist was clearly sketching out ideas for figures to include in his compositions. The studies include one of Christ in an oval possibly for an Ecce Homo, a study for the Virgin and Child, a study of a reclining figure and a study of a female figure, her hands clasped.
1. O. Ferrari & G. Scavizzi, Luca Giordano L'opera completa, Naples 1992, 2 Vols, vol. I, p. 328, no. A488a and reproduced vol II, p. 727, fig. 615
It has not been possible to connect the studies on the verso of this sheet with any particular projects but the artist was clearly sketching out ideas for figures to include in his compositions. The studies include one of Christ in an oval possibly for an Ecce Homo, a study for the Virgin and Child, a study of a reclining figure and a study of a female figure, her hands clasped.
1. O. Ferrari & G. Scavizzi, Luca Giordano L'opera completa, Naples 1992, 2 Vols, vol. I, p. 328, no. A488a and reproduced vol II, p. 727, fig. 615