Study of a Putto or Cherub Head
Old Master Drawing on paper • Circle of or Manner of Correggio or Parmigianino; possibly an Italian draughtsman from the Emilian School
Style & Movement
Mannerism / Early Baroque
Medium & Technique
Red chalk (sanguine), white chalk heightening, and possibly traces of pen and ink on toned paper; executed with sfumato shading and cross-hatching
Creation Period
Late 16th to early 17th century (Late Renaissance or Early Baroque)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 15 x 12 cm; tondo or oval format based on the visible curved edge in the upper right
Subject Description
A close-up study of a youthful, winged cherub or putto head looking downward. The figure features soft, curly hair and a subtle, mischievous expression typical of high-period Italian decorative studies. The use of white heightening emphasizes light falling from the upper right, creating three-dimensional volume.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; shows signs of historical aging, oxidation, and possible trimming
Estimated Market Value
$3,000 - $7,000 USD (assuming attribution to a known circle but not a major master)
Auction Estimate
$2,500 - $5,000 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; likely from a dispersed collector's portfolio (disegno). No visible collector stamps or 'L' marks are present in this detail, but the paper shows typical age-related toning seen in long-held European collections.
Art Historical Significance
Illustrates the enduring influence of the 'Correggesque' style on drawing practice. Such studies were essential workshop tools for larger fresco commissions in Italian cathedrals and palaces.
Notable Features
The delicate rendering of the eyes and the 'soft' focus achieved through the smudging of red chalk are characteristic of the Parma school of drawing.
Condition Issues
Visible foxing (brown spots), surface dirt, slight abrasion to the white heightening, and a significant loss/trimming in the upper right corner where the paper meets the mount.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional cleaning by a paper conservator to address foxing; stabilization of the support; mounting with acid-free museum board and UV-protective glazing.