Lot Essay
The harpies supported by mermen are used in reverse as a cartouche frame for plate 7 of the Raccolta di varii capricii et nove inventioni di cartelle et ornamenti of 1646 (de Vesme 1033).
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A cartouche in the form of two mermen with intertwined tails supporting harpies whose wings support an eagle, with pairs of writhing serpents at either side and with a group of four intertwined serpents in the center
Details
Stefano della Bella (1610-1664)
A cartouche in the form of two mermen with intertwined tails supporting harpies whose wings support an eagle, with pairs of writhing serpents at either side and with a group of four intertwined serpents in the center
black chalk, pen and brown ink, watermark sun
7½ x 8 1/8 in. (190 x 256 mm.)
A cartouche in the form of two mermen with intertwined tails supporting harpies whose wings support an eagle, with pairs of writhing serpents at either side and with a group of four intertwined serpents in the center
black chalk, pen and brown ink, watermark sun
7½ x 8 1/8 in. (190 x 256 mm.)
Provenance
Thomas Tomkins; London 25-8 February 1818, part of lot 289 (£32.10 to Holroyd).
Robert Holford, by descent to
Sir George Holford; Sotheby's London, 22 May 1928.
Anon. sale; Christie's London, 18 March 1975, lot 70.
with P.& D. Colnaghi.
Robert Holford, by descent to
Sir George Holford; Sotheby's London, 22 May 1928.
Anon. sale; Christie's London, 18 March 1975, lot 70.
with P.& D. Colnaghi.