Lot 214: Attributed to Alessandro Sanquirico (Milan 1777-1849)

Attributed to Alessandro Sanquirico (Milan 1777-1849)
A stage design for Vincenzo Bellini's opera 'La Straniera'
with inscription 'Arturo nel Castello di Montolino di/fronte ill ago e al di la del lago,/veduta del villaggio illuminato./Opera la Straniera' (verso)
traces of black chalk, pen and brown ink, grey wash
7½ x 9 1/8 in. (191 x 232 mm.)

Bellini's opera La Straniera was first performed at La Scala, Milan in 1829. According to the inscription on the verso, the drawing depicts Arturo, Count of Ravenstal, in the castle of the Duke of Montolino, whose daughter, Isoletta he is in love with. The influence of Piranesi is evident.
Professor Held acquired this drawing as a work by Romolo Liverani who was also a decorative painter for theaters and palaces.