Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo

Unframed. Laid down. The sheet has possibly been cut at the upper and lower edges. There is some very slight, pale staining at the lower edge, and also a light splash stain at the centre left. However, overall the condition is fine and the ink still strong and fresh.
"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."

This drawing belongs to Giandomenico's celebrated series of depictions of centaurs, satyrs and their families, described by James Byam Shaw as 'the most delightful and original of all Domenico's allegorical and mythological subjects'.¹  Although it has been suggested that the series relates to frescoes of similar subjects in two small rooms in the Tiepolo family villa at Zianigo, Mr Byam Shaw believed that it is more likely that these drawings were executed as an independant group for their own sake, probably between the years 1759 and 1791.  Jean Cailleaux dated the series earlier, to between 1753 and 1762, and noted that it may once have comprised up to one hundred drawings. See also lot 129.

1.  J. Byam Shaw, The Drawings of Domenico Tiepolo, London 1962, pp. 41-2