Lot 67: Giulio Benso (Pieve del Tecco 1592-1668)

The Madonna and Child with angels, Saint Benedict and Saint Scolastica under an arch
with inscription 'N° 271'
black chalk, black lead, pen and brown ink, brown wash, the outlines incised, squared in black lead
13 7/8 x 9 1/4 in. (351 x 236 mm.)

H. Marignane, his mark (not in Lugt).

A study for the picture painted before 13 February 1629 for the Basilica at Weingarten, and still in situ (M. Newcome, 'Giulio Benso', Paragone, September 1979, 335, p. 29, pl. 26). The picture, described by Mary Newcome as 'one of Benso's most delicately painted and attractive works' was the first work to be completed for a very large commission from Gabriel Bucelin, the priest at Weingarten, which occupied Benso at intervals throughout the remainder of his career. The last shipment of paintings for the church was delivered to Bucelin on 23 June 1667, the year before the artist died.