Study of a faun, his gaze averted

Details

Provenienz:
Christie’s, South Kensington, Auktion, 2.12.2008, Los 337 (als “An academic nude as Polyphemus” by a follower of Annibale Carracci, XVII century, Rome);
Europäische Privatsammlung, auf Unterlage mit dem Sammlerstempel “FB mit Ginkgoblatt im Oval” (noch nicht von Lugt/Fondation Custodia veröffentlicht).

Description

Although the posture is different, the figure of the faun could be 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 in his self-forgetful flute playing – 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.