Niccolo Dell'Abate
Modena 1509-1571 Fontainebleau

Saint Anthony Abbot with the Young Saint John the Baptist

Red chalk
176 x 202 mm; 7 x 77/8 in
Illegible inscription, u.r.

PROVENANCE
Christie's, London, 26 November, 1974, lot 7; bought Monte
Rudolf Joseph, London
Private Collection, London

The drawing shows two hermit saints, one biblical and one historical. The incongruous conjunction of these two sugests the design was intended for a banner, perhaps commissioned by an order such as the Benedictines whose founder, St. Benedict, was also a hermit.

Red chalk drawings by Nicolo are rare but show a marvellous understanding of the medium. We are grateful to Sylvie Beguin for confirming the attribution.

Professor Elisabetta Saccomani has kindly provided information essential to the preparation of this entry.