Gaspare Diziani Italy 1689-1767 Studies for Saints brown pen and ink wash over red chalk double sided Sight: 11 1/4 x 8 in. (28.6 x 20.3 cm.) Provenance: Dr. Albert Finot (1866–1933), a decorated physician and notable collector of drawings, assembled an important collection that remained largely intact until dispersed in three sales (1982, 1987, and 2005). His holdings—primarily French (70%) and Italian (14%)—included numerous sheets bearing the same unidentified octagonal collector’s mark (L.4792). Note; (From the Estate) "The recto comprises studies for several saints, identified in the artist’s own hand (top right to bottom left): La Concezione, San Michele [Arcangelo], San Paulo, San Pietro, and S. Francesco. In the lower center appear the souls (Le amme). The verso contains further studies, depicting two kneeling and one standing saint. An illegible modern pencil inscription on the verso, presumably by Dr. Albert Finot and dated 1909, suggests an early attribution to Tintoretto. The attribution to Gaspare Diziani is based off the fluid pen line combined with light wash over a red-chalk underdrawing is characteristic of his graphic style. Comparable examples of pen over red chalk—albeit without wash—include A Nymph Being Pursued by a Figure (Louvre, inv. 1220 verso). Numerous sheets with similar handling and wash are preserved in major collections such as the Morgan Library (inv. 1980.29 and 1987.55), the Fogg Art Museum (2002.95.119), the Metropolitan Museum of Art (2006.393.8 and 80.3.384), the Kunsthalle Hamburg (1920-178), and the Albertina (no. 24053). A particularly close example is Diana and Endymion (Sotheby’s, New York, 27 January 2001, Sale N10606, lot 288). While this rapid sketch cannot be securely linked to a known commission, the inclusion of souls and interceding saints suggests a connection to purgatorial themes. The verso reinforces this motif, with two kneeling saints beside a fiery mass symbolizing purgatory. This may relate to Diziani’s altarpiece The Madonna and Child with Saints Jerome, Francis, and Anthony of Padua Interceding for Souls in Purgatory (ca. 1735–40), painted for the Duomo of Tolmezzo. A bozzetto for this altarpiece was sold at Sotheby’s, London, 6 July 2006, lot 279." A skillful repair to the upper left corner of the sheet, not affecting any of the figures. Matted and framed under acrylic. Abell provides in-house shipping for select items. Our office is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM for item pickups. Items that cannot be shipped will be noted. An email will go out after invoices are sent. For assistance with shipping, please refer to our shippers' page at https://www.abell.com/buy-sell/how-to-ship/. Payment: Jewelry and coins must be paid by wire transfer, cash, or check (checks subject to clearance before release). 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Provenance: Dr. Albert Finot (1866–1933), a decorated physician and notable collector of drawings, assembled an important collection that remained largely intact until dispersed in three sales (1982, 1987, and 2005). His holdings—primarily French (70%) and Italian (14%)—included numerous sheets bearing the same unidentified octagonal collector’s mark (L.4792).Note; (From the Estate) "The recto comprises studies for several saints, identified in the artist’s own hand (top right to bottom left): La Concezione, San Michele [Arcangelo], San Paulo, San Pietro, and S. Francesco. In the lower center appear the souls (Le amme). The verso contains further studies, depicting two kneeling and one standing saint. An illegible modern pencil inscription on the verso, presumably by Dr. Albert Finot and dated 1909, suggests an early attribution to Tintoretto. The attribution to Gaspare Diziani is based off the fluid pen line combined with light wash over a red-chalk underdrawing is characteristic of his graphic style. Comparable examples of pen over red chalk—albeit without wash—include A Nymph Being Pursued by a Figure (Louvre, inv. 1220 verso). Numerous sheets with similar handling and wash are preserved in major collections such as the Morgan Library (inv. 1980.29 and 1987.55), the Fogg Art Museum (2002.95.119), the Metropolitan Museum of Art (2006.393.8 and 80.3.384), the Kunsthalle Hamburg (1920-178), and the Albertina (no. 24053). A particularly close example is Diana and Endymion (Sotheby’s, New York, 27 January 2001, Sale N10606, lot 288). While this rapid sketch cannot be securely linked to a known commission, the inclusion of souls and interceding saints suggests a connection to purgatorial themes. The verso reinforces this motif, with two kneeling saints beside a fiery mass symbolizing purgatory. This may relate to Diziani’s altarpiece The Madonna and Child with Saints Jerome, Francis, and Anthony of Padua Interceding for Souls in Purgatory (ca. 1735–40), painted for the Duomo of Tolmezzo. A bozzetto for this altarpiece was sold at Sotheby’s, London, 6 July 2006, lot 279."