Carlo Maratta

Laid down on an old collectors mount. The sheet has fractionally discoloured and there is evidence of slight surface dirt and foxing, predominantly to the extremities of the sheet. The red chalk medium remains in good condition throughout, with the image strong and crisp. 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.

This impressively large sheet is a fine example of the draughtsmanship of the highly influential 17th Century Roman artist, Carlo Maratta. Executed in a characteristic combination of red chalk with some touches of white, this handsome head study is preparatory for the Angel on the left hand side of Maratta's The Appearance of the Virgin to Saint Francis de Sales (fig.1), which was completed in 1691 and is now housed in the collection of the Pinacoteca Civica, Forlì. We are very grateful to Dario Beccarini who has kindly confirmed the attribution to Maratta on the basis of a digital image.