Attributed to Ginevra Cantofoli

Bears unidentified collector's mark and numbering, not in Lugt, verso

Hinged to mount at left margin. There are a few tears and hole at the right margin which have been made up on the verso. Light brown stains scattered throughout the sheet, more visible in the upper section. Chalks remains strong and vibrant.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This attractive study of a young woman, executed in red, black and white chalk, is depicted with a compass in her right hand, suggesting she represents an allegorical figure.  The inscription on the verso attributes the drawing to Ginevra Cantofoli, a female Bolognese artist active in 17^th Century, who was an assistant and follower of Elisabetta Sirani.  There are, though, very few known drawings by Cantofoli with which this can be compared.  Dr. Babette Bohn, who has seen a photograph of the drawing, notes its similarity to a painting that is attributed to Ginevra Cantofoli in the Brera Museum, Milan.  There is certainly a resemblance between our attractive young woman and the one on the left of the painting in Milan, which has sometimes been considered a self–portrait of the artist, raising the possibility that the present sheet could also be a self-portrait of Ginevra Cantofoli in allegorical guise.