Baroque, Rococo; Wash, Chalk; 18th Century
Obscure attribution and subject of 18th century drawing
Posting Institution Name: Devonshire Collections, Chatsworth
Artist’s Name:
18th century French artist
/ 18th century North Italian artist
Artwork Medium:
Wash, Chalk
Artwork Period: 18th Century
Movement / Style: Baroque, Rococo
Artwork Genre/Subject: History
Artwork School: French, Italian
Artwork Size: 290 x 431 mm. (11 7/16 x 16 15/16 in.)
For further information including Provenance, Literature and Exhibition History
Who Is the Artist (Attribution)?
Curator’s Comments
This newly discovered drawing is a puzzling both regarding its attribution and its subject. For the former, it has been suggested French, Genoese and Flemish. The technique of chalk and coloured wash (with no pen) is distinctive, so it may invite a name. The subject is also confusing; in the middle with shield and helmet, we might see Athena (but Bellona has also been suggested). It is difficult to distinguish what the man next to her is offering to the figure on the throne. The Arts/Muses are on the left, and presumably Hercules and Fame driving out Envy.
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Anonymous March 6, 2026 11:44 am
Charles de la Fosse
TroisCrayons September 3, 2025 4:30 pm
Instagram comment by @nick681nico
‘Could it be Francesco Fontebasso? It compares decently with one in the collection in London and another just in pen ink at the Morgan’
TroisCrayons September 3, 2025 4:28 pm
Instagram comment by @julien_champlon
‘Nicolas Delobel?’