- 16
Niccolò Circignani, called Il Pomarancio
Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- Niccolò Circignani, called Il Pomarancio
- Study of a group of figures, two carrying crosses
- Red chalk;
bears inscription in brown ink, bottom centre: y3 / Di mr Niccolao Pomaranci and verso: di Gottantino di Servi
Provenance
Dr. Michel Gaud,
his sale, Monaco, Sotheby's, 20 June 1987, lot 41,
Acquired at the above sale by A. Alfred Taubman
his sale, Monaco, Sotheby's, 20 June 1987, lot 41,
Acquired at the above sale by A. Alfred Taubman
Condition
Attached in three corners to the old album sheet. Large light brown stain at bottom edge, below inscription. Various other small stains and spots, but largely towards edges. Sheet somewhat dirty towards edges. Small round hole, by foot of right hand figure. Chalk good and fresh. Sold in a carved and gilded frame.
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
This refined red chalk sheet has a traditional attribution to Niccolò Circignani. At the time of the Gaud sale in 1987, it was plausibly suggested that it could be a preliminary study, discarded, for the artist’s frescoes of The Miracle of the True Cross, painted circa 1582 for the Oratorio del Crocifisso, Rome, or for a later decoration of the same subject in the Chapel of St. Elena, within the Basilica of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, Rome. A pen and ink compositional study, with differences, preparatory for the right-hand side wall of the Oratorio del Crocifisso, is at the British Museum.1
Helena was the mother of Emperor Constantine, to whom an angel was said to have appeared in a dream. The angel revealed to Helena the True Cross on which Christ was crucified and invited her to travel to the Holy Land in order to find it.
1. Inv. no. 1946-7-13-233; see J.A. Gere and P. Pouncey, Artists working in Rome, c. 1550 to c. 1640, London, 1984, vol. I, no. 65, reproduced vol. II, pl. 61, recto