Circle of Pietro della Vecchia (Vicenza 1603-1678 Venice)

Although treatments of figures drawing swords are relatively common in 17th Century Venetian art, the present type is relevantly rare. A version was sold in the Brocklebank sale, Christie’s, London, 7 July 1922 (see Zeri archive image number 59128) , and another version is in a private collection in Padua (see Zeri archive no. 59051). Unlike the other two versions, the present work is a small work on panel, reminiscent of the characteristic fluid brushwork of della Vecchia's smaller works.