Studies of three Shepherds resting

Studies of shepherds, pilgrims, monks, washerwomen and foresters are among Magnasco's favorite subjects. Often the figures are depicted somewhat isolated from one another, as in lot 69. Magnasco executed these studies as independent works; they did not serve as preparatory drawings for his paintings. Only in very few cases is it possible to connect one of these studies with a specific figure in a painting.
This and the following lots are executed in Magnasco's favorite technique for such studies.