Panel Decorated with a Putto, a Sphinx, Scrollwork, and an Oval Cartouche Containing a Seated Figure
Purchased by Pierpont Morgan (1837-1913) in 1909.
Formerly attributed to Girolamo Francesco Maria Mazzola, called Il Parmigianino, 1503-1540; Girolamo Mazzola Bedoli (ca. 1505-ca. 1569/70).
The present drawing was acquired as a work by Parmigianino. It was known to A. E. Popham, but not included in his volumes on Parmigianino’s drawings. He noted in a letter, dated 14 February 1949, that “almost all the drawings [in the Morgan’s collection] fit into their place and help to elucidate Parmigianino’s development, except [the present sheet], which alone does not seem to be by him.” He went on to suggest that it may relate to the decoration of the aisles of the Parma Cathedral by Girolamo Mazzola Bedoli and others.
Mazzola Bedoli, Girolamo, approximately 1500-1569, Possible attribution.
Richardson, Jonathan, 1665-1745, former owner.
Richardson, Jonathan, 1694-1771, former owner.
Barnard, John, 1709-1784, former owner.
Cholmondeley, George Cholmondeley, 1703-1770, Earl of, former owner.
Murray, Charles Fairfax, 1849-1919, former owner.
Morgan, J. Pierpont (John Pierpont), 1837-1913, former owner.
Morgan, J. P. (John Pierpont), 1867-1943, former owner.