Pier Francesco Cittadini (1613/16-81)
The Flight into Egypt c. 1650-80
Pen and ink with some stylus on paper prepared with gold leaf over a reddish ground | 19.0 x 23.9 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 905738
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A drawing of a landscape with a road upon which a donkey, carrying the Virgin and Child, is being led by an angel. Joseph follows on behind.
This unusual drawing and its companion (RCIN 905739) are on paper which has been completely covered with gold leaf. The thinly beaten pieces of gold leaf have been applied to the paper over a reddish foundation layer which gives the gold a warm tone. Cittadini produced numerous landscape drawings for the art market, and it is likely that these two extraordinary works were intended for a wealthy collector.Provenance
Probably acquired by George III from the collection of Consul Joseph Smith, c.1762; first recorded in a Royal Collection inventory of c.1800-20 (Inv. A, p.119: 'Paesi Diversi'; '10. Of Millanese a Disciple of Guido')
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Medium and techniques
Pen and ink with some stylus on paper prepared with gold leaf over a reddish ground
Measurements
19.0 x 23.9 cm (sheet of paper)
