Description: Here is a double-sided, incredibly rare, possibly unique, pair of drawings by one of the most venerated artists of the very early renaissance...Pietro and Ambrogio Lorenzetti (1280-1348), and at least as likely, members of their studios. Pietro and Ambrogio are both thought to have perished in the first plague that ravaged Europe in 1348. By venerated, it is meant he was venerated by his peers. In Lorenzetti’s case, he is considered now, as one of the fathers of the renaissance. He changed the style and appearance of art forever. The recto of this drawing is the "Deposition" and the verso is the "Crucifixion". As can be seen, his, and by extraction his studio's approach and drafting style was a fairly large departure from the rough and clunky styles of those before him. You can look at works by artists such as Cimabue that preceded him, and then look at the works that followed his….the difference is striking. The ink used appears to be a type of bistre suspended in gum arabesque...rather, it does not appear to have sunk deep into the interstices of the paper similar to what oak gall would have done. I have taken a few photos to help better understand them. I have done just about everything in my power with photography to help clean the photos up to something more representative of reality, however, I remain unresolved. At any rate, I have these and many others, and can take whatever you like in addition, simply ask. Where did they come from? It was bound in the center of the signature of a medieval "diary" that was kept by a bishop from Treviso. He kept his thoughts and memories in the book and used many of his own art works to illustrate the stories. No doubt he had been a scribe, or someone similar. The diary was kept from 1308 through 1313, with a notation at the end by a later hand in 1328. The book was purchased in the 1960’s as a water damaged mess. Many of the handmade sketches inside survived to a degree along with these. These did in fact survive, however, it is important to note that the paper is a bit macerated in places along the edges, and down the center. It is unclear whether these works were bound in the book, or were somewhat rotted by the damp, they were later joined at the center. Not much was cut out though, as the drawing and the watermarks match perfectly. It is important to understand that at this time, paper was a brand new phenomenon and there was exactly 1 paper manufactory in Italy….Fabriano. It is noted in the diary portion that the Bishop had given both of these artists sheets of paper and these are what he retained. I have no idea whether they were acquaintances, friends, or just passing through. It is unclear whether there are others, but there were none in the book. He did remark in his comments that none of the artists represented liked drawing on it, they considered it "unmanageable". It is unclear whether these sheets had any kind of sizing in them. I have tried to look at the history and at that time, some sheets were sized, others were not. It is not known whether Fabriano did or not. At any rate, by looking closely with a glass, you can see that both artists struggled with the ink sinking into the paper. It is particularly evident in the wash areas. As a note, one of the biggest shortcomings of the photos is the lack of detail in the shadow areas. The photos wash out any lighter colors in these areas and make the shadows look much simpler than they are. These drawings are actually quite rich in their construction, I wish they could present as such. When they were joined, they were bolstered to prevent further rot. As such, they seem to be in relatively strong condition now. The images being as good as could be expected….highly visible. The surfaces are coated with coal dust and appear filthy. In my opinion, they should not be touched. They are very old I consider it patina. Each sheet roughly measures 30 x 22 cm. The sheet is attached to a passè partout mount in a 3 page triptych of 4-ply museum board. Please let me know any questions or requests that you may have. ***The shipping that I have stated is overnight anywhere in the contiguous states, worldwide will be more, PLEASE ENQUIRE ABOUT WORLDWIDE RATES BEFORE HAND!!!!!*******
Price: 2890 USD
Location: Oak Park, California
End Time: 2024-09-09T21:44:07.000Z
Shipping Cost: 40 USD
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Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Type: Drawing
