Two Female Figures (possibly Nymphs or Graces) with a Cornucopia
Old Master Drawing, oval format on paper • Circle of or School of Hendrick Goltzius or Bartholomeus Spranger (Northern Mannerism)
Style & Movement
Northern Mannerism (Haarlem or Prague School influence)
Medium & Technique
Red or brown chalk with white chalk heightening and grey-green wash on laid paper; likely a preparatory sketch for a decorative roundel or metalwork.
Creation Period
Late 16th to early 17th Century (circa 1580–1620)
Dimensions & Format
Small oval format (approx. 15-20 cm diameter), tondo/oval composition
Subject Description
Composition featuring two semi-nude female figures in dynamic, elongated poses characteristic of Mannerism. One figure holds a cornucopia (horn of plenty). The figures exhibit the 'muscular' yet elegant anatomical rendering common in the Haarlem Mannerist circle.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; shows signs of age-related degradation including minor foxing, paper toning, and slight losses along the edges.
Estimated Market Value
USD $3,000 - $6,500 based on the quality of draughtsmanship and Northern Mannerist school attribution.
Auction Estimate
USD $2,500 - $5,000
Provenance History
Indications of historical mounting; style suggests a Northern European collection or workshop remains. Specific labels or stamps are not visible in the image.
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of late 16th-century Northern draughtsmanship, showing the influence of Italian Mannerism on artists from the Low Countries. It likely served as a study for a medallion, plaque, or frieze.
Notable Features
Distinctive use of white chalk highlighting to create volume (chiaroscuro) and the characteristically exaggerated 'serpentine' poses of the period.
Condition Issues
Visible edge wear, minor creasing at the periphery, slight discoloration of the white heightening (lead white oxidation), and general paper browning.
Conservation Recommendations
Requires deacidification treatment by a professional paper conservator; should be mounted with acid-free materials and framed behind UV-protective museum glass.
Collector Notes
Northern