Luigi Sabatelli

Laid down on original mount. There are two areas at the bottom of the sheet where the paper has creased, the area just before the inscription and also an area running through the middle of the inscription. There are a few scattered brown stains throughout the sheet and there is some surface dirt, also some discolouration to the paper. The pen and ink however remains 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."

The inscription indicates that this drawing was presented by Sabatelli to one of his pupils, presumably during the time he was the Professor of Painting at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera in Milan.  It is characteristic of Sabatelli's careful draughtsmanship and classicising style, which find their beginning in his early training with printmakers in Florence and his absorption of the style of artists such as Flaxman.  Sabatelli made a number of drawings after subjects in the Iliad.¹  Three Durelli brothers are recorded as artists in Milan, the most famous being Gaetano, born in 1789, who was a draughtsman and engraver, later director of the École d'ornements at Geneva. His brothers Francesco and Antonio were also engravers.

1. See, for example, Luigi Sabatelli, exhib. cat., Florence, Uffizi, 1978, no. 9 and B. Brejon de Lavergnée, Catalogue des dessins italiens...Paris/Lille 1997, p. 209, no. 599