Inscribed Paul Veronese in pen and brown ink (lower left margin), red chalk

200 x 246 mm. (7 7/8 x 9 3/4 in.)

SOLD TO A PRIVATE COLLECTOR

The stamp on this drawing is identified as unknown in the 1921 publication of Frits Lugt, however in the 1956 edition he thinks this belongs to the famous French 17th century musician and collector of art and drawings, Nicholas Lanier or Lanire. He was actively involved in the purchases of pictures for King Charles I of England and was sent to Italy in 1625, where he remained three years, mostly in Venice, and made important acquisitions. It is interesting to note that this drawing is inscribed Paul Veronese, whilst scholarly opinion places this drawing in the Florentine schools. Lanier was also involved in advising the Earl of Arundel in his purchase of drawings.

Stylistically this drawing is clearly Florentine and probably comes from the studio of Empoli.