This drawing is one of a number of studies depicting military subjects by the Bolognese artist Pupini. The frieze-like composition is typical of his work. Marked by chiaroscuro, achieved through the use of dark wash and white heightening, this study conveys a vivid sense of movement. Evoking an unyielding march, the figures incline towards the right, though this is poignantly interrupted by the figure of the child staring out at the viewer beyond his mother’s legs.

Sir Peter Lely, London (1618-1680), L.2092; Jonathan Richardson, the elder, London (1665-1745), L.2184; possibly his estate sale, Christopher Cock (London), 22 January - 8 February 1747, any one of sixteen lots listing 'Biagio'; Edward Coxe; his sale, Squibb (London), 13 - 15 April 1815; purchased there by William Esdaile, London (1758-1837), L.2617; possibly Thomas Thane, London (1782-1846); John Cabourne Simonds; purchased from him by Sir Robert Witt, London (1872-1952), L.2228b, n.d. (8 shillings); Witt Bequest 1952

Special Display - Peter Lely - The Draughtsman and his Collection, The Courtauld Gallery, London, 24/09/2012-13/01/2013

Watermark: Watermark: mount (historic), verso, left centre edge: shield with Strasburg bend surmounted by a fleur-de-lis; right centre edge: “IV” (see Churchill 437 – watermark of J. Villedary, 1722).

Inscription: Mount (historic), Recto: lower left, graphite, erased: “372 M Biagi”; lower left corner, brown ink: “by E. Coxe 1815.”; lower centre, first line in light brown ink, rest in graphite: “Biaggio Bolognese. / (Pupini dalle Lame) / 1490-1530 //”; lower right edge, graphite: “Colls. Sir Peter Lely / Richardson / Coxe. / Esdaile //”. Mount (historic), Verso: upper centre edge, brown ink, cut off, Richardson the elder’s hand, shelfmarks: “LL[…] / G.46. / Fa. 13. / P. //”; centre, graphite: “25”; lower left corner, brown ink, Esdaile’s hand: “Formerly in the colln of S Peter Lely & / Janr Richardson [sic] / 1815 WE_E Coxe’s coll. P80 N67. //”.

Collector's mark: Recto: lower right corner, stamped in black: Jonathan Richardson, the elder (L.2184); Sir Peter Lely (L.2092). Mount (historic), Recto: lower right, pen and brown ink: William Esdaile (L.2617). Mount (historic), Verso: lower centre, graphite, very faint: Thomas Thane (L.2433? accompanied by first initial “T”, which is not on Lugt as part of the usual mark); lower right corner, stamped in black ink: Sir Robert Witt (L.2228b).