ITALIAN SCHOOL, EARLY 19TH CENTURY

The sketchbook is bound in vellum and bears a title in Italian, Serie di disegni, on the spine. This was most likely the sketchbook that a student artist was carrying with him in drawing classes, to sketch what he saw around himself and to copy artworks by other artists. The largest part of the over eighty drawings are executed in black chalk; of these about thirty-six are studies of nude models posed in different attitudes. Other drawings are studies of dressed models and others are sketches of different subjects (portraits, studies of hands, animals, antique statues). Some of the drawings are executed with pen and ink and a few sheets present touches of red chalk. Several of the compositions appear to be copies after details or entire paintings, while others are architectural details of buildings and churches quickly sketched on the spot.