Anonimo. Italia, XVII secolo.

Anonymous. Italy, 17th century. Saint Francis of Assisi receives the stigmata Red chalk Dimensions: 180 x 300 mm The sheet depicts a very common subject. The main figure of Saint Francis certainly derives from the engraving by Agostino Carracci (Bologna 1557 – Parma 1602) from 1586, whose invention is related to the autograph (?) canvas in Parma. The drawing more probably derives from one of the copies, since the image is reversed. Three reversed copies are known: C1 engraved by F. Portius, mm. 452 x 309, C2 I. Paulini, mm. 229 x 157, C3 Henricus van Schoel, mm. 149 x 95. The author of the drawing, however, elaborates on the composition by modifying the surrounding landscape. He adds two cherubs who observe the Saint partially hidden among the dense vegetation. A skull and a cross support an open book at the Saint's feet. Furthermore, the scene is arched, and the upper part is crowded with putti and small angels. The drawing shows traces of squaring for transfer to canvas. Considering the accuracy of the details and chiaroscuro, and considering the squaring, the drawing appears to be a finished work. On the reverse in pencil, it reads: Sotheby's 10.10.74. Excellent condition. Watermark: Rose with letters I.M.I Reference bibliography: D. De Grazia, Le stampe dei Carracci con i disegni, le incisioni, le copie e i dipinti connessi. catalogo Critico. Italian edition revised and augmented translated and edited by Antonio Boschetto. Bologna 1984, n 140