Annibale Carracci (Nachfolge)

Annibale Carracci (successor) (1560 Bologna - Rome 1609) - Study of a faun, his gaze averted. Black chalk on laid paper with watermark "NIS, crowned by a cross, in the round". (17th century). 38.5 x 25.4 cm. Although the posture is different, the figure of the faun may have been inspired by a fresco by Carracci in the Galleria Farnese in Rome. This shows the Cyclops Polyphemus, blind with jealousy, hurling a boulder at Acis, Galatea's handsome lover. Polyphemus had previously patiently wooed the Nereid, but she repeatedly rejected him mischievously. From then on, the unhappy giant sought solace in music and dance, as here playing the flute in oblivion - hiding his one-eyed forehead behind his hand from Galatea and, as it were, from other prying eyes. - The left edge of the sheet somewhat uneven, a small tear at the bottom. A tiny restored tear in the lower margin. Occasional minor creases. In good condition. Provenance: Christie's, South Kensington, auction, 2.12.2008, lot 337 (as "An academic nude as Polyphemus" by a follower of Annibale Carracci, XVII century, Rome); European private collection, on backing with collector's stamp "FB mit Ginkgoblatt im Oval" (not yet published by Lugt/Fondation Custodia). Taxation: differential taxation (VAT: Margin Scheme)