Italian school, 16th century
Project for a Decor: Putti Harvesting Grapes
Numbered 92 with brown ink.
Pen and brown ink, brown wash.
159 x 268 mm – 6 1/4 x 10 9/16 in.
This charming harvesting scene is probably a project related to the decoration of a palazzo. The theme of harvesting is an ancient one and has been represented many times since its early appearances on Roman mosaics and marbles. It appeared again during the Renaissance and 16th century, treated by painters who were also antiquity amateurs such as Giulio Romano. The author of our drawing elegantly conveys the playful and festive atmosphere of this theme, which always goes along with manifestations of abundance such as the heavy fruits and leaves garland handed over to the caryatids by the putti.
Condition report – Laid down on a blue mount, framing lines with pen and black ink. Two tears in the upper part. Two small losses in the lower corners. A tear on the left hand-side. The ink is paler on the edges.
