Description:

collectors mark on verso: ABV (possibly L. 3752, according to Sotheby’s catalogue)
pen and brown ink over black chalk
191 x 301 mm

Provenance:

probably the Rev. Dr. Henry Wellesley (1794–1866), Oxford
probably his sale, London, Sotheby’s, 25 June 1866, Part of Lot 954
probably Sir David Kelly (1891-1959), London
probably his sale, London, Hodgson’s: 26 November 1954, part of Lot 596
probably with Hans Calmann, London
Dr C.R. Rudolf (1884-1974), London [L.2811b] (according to Christie’s catalogue)
Sotheby’s, London: 2 July 1984, Lot 103
Christie’s, London: 6-7 July 1987, Lot 129
with Baskett & Day, London
where acquired by the present owner

Note:

This work by Remigio Cantagallina is a typical example of the closely observed Tuscan landscape drawings in pen and brown ink for which the artist is best known. This drawing depicts a draughtsman sketching a convent, probably the Convento di San Francesco in Fiesole, from the shade of a tree at lower right, a common motif in Cantagallina’s landscapes. The heat of the day is reinforced by the meticulous contrast between areas of light and shade, highlighted by the deftly lined areas in shadow and the vacant expanses of paper in sunlight. The flanks of the monastery are formed with a two point perspective receding from the centre of the sheet, with the large tree at right in repoussoir, framing the drawing.

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