GIOVANNI BATTISTA TIEPOLO | A bearded oriental, standing, wearing a cloak and soft hat

Laid down along the upper edge to the remains of an old album page, which has in turn had a decorative mount attached to the upper edge. There is scattered foxing throughout the sheet and some discolouration to the extremities where the current acid mount is placed. The combination of media remain in predominantly good condition, with the image strong. Sold framed.
"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 work is part of the series of drawings by Tiepolo associated with an album known as 'Sole Figure Vestite'.  A large number of these are in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.¹  None can be associated with any specific painting, but Knox suggested that they were certainly drawn no later that the artist's Würzburg period (1751-3), and possibly earlier. ^1. See G. Knox, Catalogue of the Tiepolo Drawings in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London 1960, nos. 131-176, 188-194, 213-221, reproduced