Red and black chalk (recto); black chalk (verso)

293 x 216 mm. (11 x 8 in.)

The attribution of this sheet has been difficult to establish, but it has been placed by a number of scholars around Florence and Siena late 16th Century. Christiana Romalli suggested Biliverti/ Furini/ Livio Mehus. Hugo Chapman did not think any of these possible. Dr Julian Brooks thought it was Sienese circa 1600, and possibly near Sorri or Folli.

It is most likely that this beautiful double-sided drawing is by a Florentine artist, as yet undiscovered, however further research may reveal its author. The quality of the drawing is clear to see, in particular the recto has these numerous figure studies for a number of different compositions. In contrast the verso has this simple study of an apostle which seems to be looking to Florence and an early generation, such as Fra Bartolomeo.