Circle of Ciro Ferri (Rome 1634-1689)

The composition of this picture is known through three other versions, all listed by Jörg Martin Merz (Pietro da Cortona und sein Kreis. Die Zeichnungen in Düsseldorf, Berlin, 2005, pp. 421-2, under no. 289). The best version is considered to be the one in a private collection, sold at Christie's, Rome, 30 November 1993, lot 244, and again at Christie's, Rome, 16 June 2004, lot 402. Another version, maybe a studio variant, is in the Cortona, Museo dell'Accademia Etrusca. A third one, of minor quality, was sold in Munich, Neumeister, auction 299, 25 March 1998, lot 370.