17th-century Italian Drawing In A Handsome 17th-century Burr Walnut And Repoussé Brass Frame (39 X 32 Cm)

F. Laurentius (active in Florence, 17th century)

The Adoration of the Magi

Pen drawing, brown ink

• Dimensions:
  At the bowl: 17.3 x 23 cm
• At the sheet: 32.5 x 26 cm
• Framed: 39 x 32.5 cm

Elegant composition depicting the Adoration of the Magi, treated with finesse in a pen drawing of great liveliness of execution. The scene, richly constructed, gathers around the Virgin and Child the three Kings accompanied by their retinue, in an animated architectural setting open onto a landscape.

The nervous, precise line highlights drapery and expressions, while the play of hatching creates effects of light and depth characteristic of 17th-century Italian drawing.

The work is inscribed at bottom right:

"F. Laurentius a Florentia : Del : Calamo", indicating an artist of Florentine origin and an execution in pen (calamo).

This drawing is in the tradition of the Italian masters of the Seicento, sensitive to the heritage of the late Renaissance and the graphic research of the 17th century. The quality of its line and its dense composition, typical of studies intended for engraving or painted works, make it particularly appealing. It is an interesting testimony to 17th-century Florentine graphic production, where the pen remained a privileged medium for the study and dissemination of great religious subjects.

Condition
Pasted on paper, with old handwritten inscriptions on the reverse in graphite.
Exhibits small tears and wear, consistent with age.

Very fine antique burr-walnut frame with rich applied decoration in repoussé brass and gilding, 17th-century work.
Small accidents and chips.