Baldassare Franceschini, called Il Volterrano

Sale, London, Sotheby's, Drawings by Baldassare Franceschini, 3 July 1980, lot 52a (catalogue by Charles McCorquodale)

Hinge mounted. There is an area of discoloration to the four uneven edges, most probably as a result of an old mount. There are a number of small nicks and creases to the edges and a tear to the upper left and lower right edges. The left edge has been made up in the center and there is an old repair in the lower left corner. There is light foxing throughout and an area of surface dirt to the upper left corner. The red chalk medium is fresh throughout.
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.

In the Sotheby's sale catalogue, Charles McCorquodale identified the present sheet as the preparatory study for Euridice's drapery from Volterrano's painting Orpheus and Euridice¹ which at the time was housed in the Emilio Pucci collection, Florence and is regarded as one of Volterrano's most important easel paintings.

The rapidly drawn lines around Euridice's stomach hint at the white band in the painting, to which Orpheus clings in a desperate effort to hold on to his despairing consort.  Unfortunately the moment of disaster has already struck as demons can be seen clutching at Euridice's limbs, dragging her away from Orpheus and back to the realm of darkness for ever.

1. See G. Ewald, ‘Unknown works by Baldassare Franceschini, called Volterrano (1611-1689)', The Burlington Magazine, May 1973, p. 277, under no. 10, reproduced