Luigi Sabatelli (Florence 1772-1850 Milan)

These two drawings exemplify Sabatelli’s sophisticated graphic style and flair for dramatic subjects. Executed with tight penwork, much indebted to his training as a printmaker, the powerful head of Christ is probably preparatory for the same figure featured in the ninth scene of the Via Crucis, representing Jesus falling for the third time. The suite was designed by Sabatelli in 1795 and engraved by Giovanni Battista Cecci in 1800. The study of Andromache's head, caught in profile while mourning the dead body of Hector, was executed later and with looser penwork. As indicated by the inscription at bottom, it was presented by Sabatelli to a pupil at the Brera Academy called ‘Durelli’, possibly the Milanese painter Gaetano Durelli (b. 1789).