Attributed to Prospero Fontana

Laid down. Lower part of the sheet cut diagonally to the right and to the left. A number of losses at the top left corner and edge to the left, another loss at the bottom edge. A few small tears at the edges. Some stains, similar to grey foxing, scattered on the sheet and darker discolouration of the paper along the edges. Some rubbing and surface dirt.
"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 Bolognese artist Prospero Fontana worked in central Italy, chiefly in Rome, Bologna, Parma and Florence, executing a number of important commissions and also collaborating with Giorgio Vasari and Pellegrino Tibaldi.  He is mentioned by Vasari as a pupil of Innocenzo da Imola and among the non-Florentine members of the Accademia del Disegno, but his drawing style is still not well known and only a few sheets can be definitely related to his painted work.  Often Fontana received drawings by Vasari to be executed as paintings.  In this drawing, both Bolognese and Florentine influences can be detected, and it is interesting to note its old attribution to 'Pelegrino'.  It is possible that during a brief stay in Bologna in 1551-52, Fontana worked with Tibaldi on the decoration of the Cappella Poggi in the church of San Giacomo Maggiore.¹ 

1. For more information on the relationship between Prospero Fontana and Giorgio Vasari, see F. Härb, 'Prospero Fontana alias Giorgio Vasari: Collaboration and the Limits of Authorship', Francesco Salviati et la Bella Maniera, Actes des colloques de Rome et de Paris (1998), Rome 2001, pp. 577-608