Beheading Preparatory Sketch, Marco Rossi (1676 - 1730), Ink on Paper

Originates from: Italy

Era: Early 18th Century

Dimensions: 16" H x 14" W  

Incredible and evocative preparatory sketch by Marci Ricci (1676 - 1730) depicting a beheading in a town centre, surrounded by the townspeople and priests, likely ending up a piece of a large scale wall fresco. The lovely use of chiaroscuro is shown, even in sketch form, showing the prowess of Ricci. The piece carries the 3 crescents watermark that the studio is famous for, and shows collector marks of English painter Richard Cosway (1742 - 1821) and Scottish collector and merchant Robert Udny (1725 - 1802).