Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, called Guercino

Sale, London, Sotheby's, 19 May 1977, lot 131

Window mounted. Overall in very good condition. There are some redish/brown stains towards the lower half of the sheet and some suface dirt. There is also a tiny pin hole in the paper on the left hand side of the sheet, approximately 4cm above the girl's folded arms. The medium remains fresh and overall image very strong. Sold unframed.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

We are grateful to Nicholas Turner who, having seen the drawing in the original, has confirmed the attribution to Guercino and has suggested dating it to the mid 1630s.  He has also pointed out that Guercino kept this type of drawing, done from life, as a repertoire for use in future paintings.  The pen and ink line at the bottom of the sheet was drawn by Guercino to indicate the length of the figure.  As regards the artist's working method, it is interesting to note that the basket is only drawn with wash and not, like the rest of the drawing, also reinforced in pen and ink, suggesting that Guercino may have decided, having rapidly sketched the composition in wash, that he would in fact omit this motif when completing the drawing.

The late Sir Denis Mahon confirmed the attribution to Guercino at the time of the 1977 Sotheby's sale (see Provenance).