Francesco Guardi

This lively and animated drawing depicts a young gentleman, half way up a ladder, that leans against a tree, conversing with a young lady. The application of pen and ink and wash, so typical of Francesco Guardi, creates a playful and lyrical mood. There are a number of comparable drawings of chivalrous scenes depicting a young man and woman conversing and also some sheets where they are engaged in a dance.¹  

Perhaps the most similar to the present composition, from the aforementioned group, is the verso of the drawing in the Truro Museum in Cornwall, showing a young man and woman in conversation, which has been dated to 1760.²

^1. A. Morassi, Guardi Tutti I Disegni Di Antonio, Francesco E Giacomo Guardi, Venice 1975, cat. nos. 246, 248 and 247

^2. Ibid., cat no. 24, reproduced fig. 256