Lot 57: Giacomo Cavedone , Sassuolo 1577 - 1660 Bologna the head of an old man, probably st joseph Black chalk heightened with white chalk on brown prepared paper

Black chalk heightened with white chalk on brown prepared paper

measurements note 387 by 273mm

Gainesville, et al., 1991-93, no. 18

Sale, London, Christie's, 1 July 1986, lot 83; acquired at the sale

This impressive head study has been considered to be preparatory for the figure of St. Joseph in Cavedone's important altarpiece, The Adoration of the Magi, painted in 1614 for the Arrigoni Chapel, S. Paolo Maggiore, Bologna. However, the use of greasy black chalk with white heightening, and also the simplified hatching, are characteristic of Cavedone's later works. It therefore seems that the drawing should in fact be dated after 1620. It has not yet been connected with a specific painting, but this type of bearded old man is entirely consistent with other studies of St. Joseph in Cavedone's oeuvre.