The traditional attribution to Domenico Campagnola noted in the inscription may well be correct, the rough-hewn cross-hatching and somewhat unrefined characterization of the figure are common to Domenico’s figural drawings. The figure seems to fit best in an agricultural context, such as the farmworkers in the representations of the months of the year, for which see inv. no. IV, 61, on the other hand similar figures are often depicted mixing mortar for building of a monument.
Attributed by H.P. Kraus to Campagnola. Acquired as by Italian school.
Inscribed at lower right in pen and black ink, "Domenico Campagnola"; on verso at lower left in pen and black ink, "1137", at lower right in pencil, "13.5 / 10.5"; on fragment of old mount in pencil, "Domenico Campagnola", and "5". Stamped on fragment of old mount, "30[a in superscript and underlined]".
Kraus, Hans Peter, 1907-1988, former owner.