The Good Thief: study of a male nude for a Crucifixion

Details

Italian School, circa 1450-1470
The Good Thief: study of a male nude for a Crucifixion
with ink number '13.3' (below the feet) and with further ink number 'N^o 226.'
metalpoint, charcoal, heightened with white, on prepared green-grey paper (originally blue), irregular
7 1/8 x 5½ in. (18 x 14 cm.) (at largest point)

Sale room notice

Please note that this lot is exhibited in a temporary frame. To see the frame with which this is sold, please contact a member of the department.

We are grateful to Dr Joachim Jacoby of the Städelsches Kunstinstitut in Frankfurt, who has brought to our attention a very similar drawing, in silverpoint on ivory prepared paper, in that museum's collection (inv. 6977; see J. Lauts, Carpaccio: Paintings and Drawings, London, 1962, no. 2.68).

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Lot Essay

The present drawing is a study for a figure in a Crucifixion, probably that of the Good Thief. Executed in the delicate and highly precise technique of metalpoint, which is characteristic of early Italian drawings, the work may be dated circa 1450-1470. The taut draughtsmanship, elongated limbs and carefully delineated musculature suggest a North Italian origin for the artist. Similarities have been noted with the early draughtsmanship of Luca Signorelli (1450-1523), the drawings of Niccolò Alunno (circa 1430-1502) and the paintings of Vincenzo Foppa (circa 1430-circa 1516).

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