Bernardino Barbatelli, called Il Poccetti

Sale, Christie's, 12 December 1985, lot 198, purchased by Ralph Holland

Laid down. A light brown stain lower to the right of the letter. A few tears to the right edge towards the top of the sheet. Some surface dirt towards the edges but not very visible. Overall quite good condition
"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 is a very rare example of a preparatory study for an historiated initial of a manuscript choir book, probably intended to open 'Dum complerentur dies pentecostes …,' the first antiphon for Lauds on Pentecost Sunday.  It is fascinating to notice that the very attractive figure of the Apostle to the right in the foreground is identical to the figure used by Poccetti in a drawing, formerly in the Skippe collection, now in the Fondation Custodia, Paris.¹  That study, Four men seated at a table, was identified by A.E. Popham, in the Skippe catalogue, as preparatory for the Apostles in Poccetti's fresco of The Last Supper, in the atrium leading to the Oratorio of San Pietro Martire, Florence.  This is not the only instance in which Poccetti seems to have reused some of his most successful figures.²

1.  Inv. no. 7224; J. Byam Shaw, The Italian Drawings of the Frits Lugt Colllection, Paris 1983, vol. I, p. 45, no. 38, reproduced vol. II, pl. 49
2.  Ibid., vol. I, p. 45