Michelangelo Maestri is mainly known for his bodycolours that he based on the then only recently discovered wall frescos in Pompeii (lots 326, 327 and 328). The drawings, which are often over etched outlines, became very popular amongst travellers on their Grand Tour. Besides Roman frescos, the artist also drew inspiration from Renaissance artists such as Giulio Romano (circa 1499-1546) and Raphael Sanzio da Urbino (1483-1520). According to Maestri’s inscriptions on some of The hours of Day or Night (lot 333), they are based on works by Raphael, however, the originals are no longer known.