- 329
Pietro Antonio Novelli
Estimate
4,500 - 5,500 GBP
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Description
- Pietro Antonio Novelli
- Head of a young man
- Pen and brown ink
Provenance
Sale, London, Christie's, 6 December 1972, lot 23 (as Francesco Novelli), purchased by Ralph Holland
Exhibited
Newcastle, 1974, no. 113
Condition
Laid down. Overall the sheet is in very good condition. There are some creases in the paper, located at the left and upper margin. There is a small circular brown stain at the top right corner. Otherwise pen and ink strong.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
This drawing was incorrectly attributed to Novelli's son, Francesco, but Ralph Holland rightly catalogued it in 1974 as a typical work by the father, Pietro Antonio Novelli, whose style, as here, is characterized by a fluid and reassured use of the pen, with very recognisable vertical strokes. The origin of Novelli's drawing style can be traced back to Pellegrini and Diziani, and also, in his manner of shading, to Fontebasso.
The artist has added a witty touch to this study, probably intended to show his virtuosity: it is possible to see the head of a bearded man in profile emerging from the top left edge of the hair of the young man, making two images in one.
The artist has added a witty touch to this study, probably intended to show his virtuosity: it is possible to see the head of a bearded man in profile emerging from the top left edge of the hair of the young man, making two images in one.