Old Master Framed Baroque Pencil Study for a Mythological Composition

A framed Baroque pencil study for a Diana and Endymion composition attributed to Giovanni Battista Cipriani

Attributed to Giovanni Battista Cipriani
Probably London, England; third quarter of the 18th century
Pencil on laid paper; matted and framed

Approximate size: 7 x 9.5 in. (drawing); 13.5 x 17.25 in. (in frame)

The present drawing appears to be a sketched pencil study for a composition depicting Diana and Endymion of Classical literature. As was custom for Cipriani, the sketch may have been in preparation for an engraved print. Many of Cipriani’s designs were engraved by his friend, Francesco Bartolozzi.

Originally of Italian origin, Cipriani was active in England from 1755 where he served the patronage from various nobility. Cipriani also helped establish the Royal Academy in 1768 and designed its original diploma. Apart from his talent in design, Cipriani also painted in various capacities and brought his faculties into the realm of furniture design too.

Signed in the lower left margin. Handsomely presented with a dark matte and thin gilt frame.

Condition: Very good with a minor crease running near the center.

Provenance: An American private collection and before that with the collection of Sir Bruce Ingram and before that with Sabin Galleries, London.