FRENCH SCHOOL, 17th Century

Study of a Bull (recto)
Study of Two Heads with Laurel Crowns (verso)

Black and red chalk on paper
9 x 12 inches (23 x 30.5 cm)

Provenance:

(Possibly) Wilhelm Suida; thence by descent to:

Robert L. and Bertina Suida Manning, New York, until 1996

Private Collection, USA

Traditionally attributed to the French Caravaggist Simon Vouet, this lovely study of a young bull is likely by an artist in his circle or close following. The reverse of the sheet displays two studies of heads—one in profile, and the other in three-quarter profile seen from above. Both figures wear laurel wreaths and may be based on studies of ancient types or examples. An unidentified watermark, an anchor in a circle with the initials LM, is present on the sheet (Fig. 1).

 
Anchor flanked by L and M in white.

Fig. 1. The watermark on the present drawing.

 
Loosely sketched. Two heads wearing laurel wreaths, one rendered in black, the other, rendered in black and red lines.