Paolo Farinati worked primarily in his native town of Verona, but also in Mantua and Venice. He was a prolific draughtsman who became known for his highly finished drawings, often executed on coloured paper, like in the present case. The drawing was probably executed during the 1570s when his approach to drawing shifted due to the influence of prominent artists such as Paolo Veronese (1528–1588). Similarly to a drawing at the Musée du Louvre, Paris (inv. 4813), Virgin and Child with the infant Saint John the Baptist, dating to around 1570, this sheet displays Farinati’s interest in rendering highly sculptural forms and drapery using soft modelling and heavy application of white heightening. Using this process on blue paper allowed him more consistent tonal saturation across the composition. Although no related painting is known, the low viewpoint and octagonal shape of the sheet suggest that this composition was intended to be seen from below, thus indicating that this may be a preparatory study for a ceiling decoration. Note by Alexis Nanavaty, October 11, 2024

Sir Charles Greville (1763-1832); Colnaghi (London); purchased there by Sir Robert Witt, London (1872-1952), n.d.; Witt Bequest 1952

Watermark: Watermark: upper centre: unable to see clearly due to backing sheet. Backing sheet, Verso: lower left edge, fragment: "J W[...]" [as in J WHATMAN].

Collector's mark: Recto: lower centre edge, stamped in black: Sir Charles Greville (L.549). Verso (backing sheet): lower centre edge, stamped in black: Sir Robert Witt (L.2228b).

Inscription: none.