The present drawing was acquired as a work by Parmigianino. It was known to A. E. Popham, but not included in his volumes on Parmigianino’s drawings. He noted in a letter, dated 14 February 1949, that “almost all the drawings [in the Morgan’s collection] fit into their place and help to elucidate Parmigianino’s development, except [the present sheet], which alone does not seem to be by him.” He went on to suggest that it may relate to the decoration of the aisles of the Parma Cathedral by Girolamo Mazzola Bedoli and others.
Watermark: none.
Formerly attributed to Girolamo Francesco Maria Mazzola, called Il Parmigianino, 1503-1540; Girolamo Mazzola Bedoli (ca. 1505-ca. 1569/70).
Inscribed by the artist, in design, at upper center, in pen and brown ink [symbol, like a "G", perhaps for "palmi"?]; and at lower center, in pen and brown ink, "[symbol] 42"; by Richardson Sr. or an amanuensis?, on mount, at center, beneath drawing, in pen and brown ink, "Parmeggiano"; on mount, lower right, "49251"; on verso of mount, with Richardson's pressmarks, "B. 20. / CC. 18(?) B. 23. k. / In the Steccata, or exactly like it. / R. jun."; at right center, following Barnard's initials, "N: 612 / 5 1/2 by 4 1/2"; at lower right, "Cholmondely"; at lower left, in graphite, "the 2 Richardsons / John Barnard / + Cholmondley"; in right corner, in graphite, "279".
Parmigianino, 1503-1540, Formerly attributed to.
Mazzola Bedoli, Girolamo, approximately 1500-1569, Possible attribution.
Richardson, Jonathan, 1665-1745, former owner.
Richardson, Jonathan, 1694-1771, former owner.
Barnard, John, 1709-1784, former owner.
Cholmondeley, George Cholmondeley, 1703-1770, Earl of, former owner.
Murray, Charles Fairfax, 1849-1919, former owner.
Morgan, J. Pierpont (John Pierpont), 1837-1913, former owner.
Morgan, J. P. (John Pierpont), 1867-1943, former owner.