Lot 324
  • 324

MARCANTONIO FRANCESCHINI | Study of an Angel flying to the right holding a torch

Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 GBP
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Description

  • Marcantonio Franceschini
  • Study of an Angel flying to the right holding a torch
  • Pen and brown ink and grey wash, over traces of black chalk, squared for transfer in black chalk
  • 390 by 297 mm

Condition

Hinge mounted to a modern decorative mount. There is some extremely minor staining to areas of the sheet and evidence of minor surface dirt to the extremities. The combination of media remains in fine condition with the image fresh and vibrant and stronger than the digital image suggests. Sold in a carved giltwood 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."

Catalogue Note

This impressive, grandly scaled drawing of a flying angel, executed in pen and ink and wash and squared in black chalk, is clearly a preparatory study for a frescoed ceiling design.  It is very similar to angels in Franceschini's fresco of The Ascension of St Catherine of Vigri for the vault of the Chiesa del Corpus Domini in Bologna.1  The drawing can also be stylistically compared to other preparatory drawings for the same ceiling, in particular the study of the central figure of St. Catherine, now in a private collection, Northampton.2 1. D.C. Miller, Marcantonio Franceschini, Turin 2001, p. 142, fig. 39a
2. Ibid., p. 143, fig. 39c