Attributed to Giuseppe Passeri

Rev. C.J. Bell;
C.F. Bell;
Gift of C.F. Bell, April 1941

Hinged to mount at upper margin. Drawn on thick card. The white heightening has oxidised in places and there appears to be oxidisation around the edges of the sheet - especially in the upper right corner and lower left corner. The pen and ink remains strong and vibrant.
"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 expressive and free study of an angel is stylistically close to a drawing by Giuseppe Passeri, also depicting a kneeling angel, that was sold in these Rooms in 2007.¹  Both figures are rendered in a similar combination of media and the technique employed is highly comparable.  The study of an angel sold in 2007 was identified by Dr Dieter Graf as a preparatory study for Passeri's trompe l'oeil decoration, simulating sculpture, around the high altar of San Nicola dei Lorenesi in Rome.  As the pose of our angel differs slightly in the placement of her hands and the fact she is not kneeling on a platform, we cannot be certain the present study is for the same project.

^1. Sale, London, Sotheby's, 4 July 2007, lot 55