(Bologna 1696–1763) The Judgement of Salomon (recto), a study for the left part of the same composition (verso), pen and brown ink, grey wash, on laid paper, 16,8 x 21,5 cm, mounted, unframed, (Sch)

The attribution of Domenico Fratta was confirmed by Dr. Marco Riccòmini by means of a high-resolution digital photograph.

Domenico Maria Fratta was one of the most talented pupils of the Bolognese painter Donato Creti (1671–1749). His drawings were attributed to his master for a long time until they could be assigned to an individual style. Mainly due to its figures the recto of the sheet can be compared to two studies of the artist in the Musée du Rouen (Inv. 1975. 4. 5301;
Inv. 1975. 4. 5302) whose postures and ancient armor show great similarities with the present sheet. The combination of grey wash and pen and brown ink can also be found in a drawing in the Glasgow Art Gallery (Inv. PR.2000.4.t). The verso of the drawing shows the great ease of the artist in handling the pen and the stylistic proximity to his teacher Creti. Cf. M. Riccòmini,”Guerriers en scene: Fratta et le Maitre de Philippe”, in: Revue du Louvre, 2016, No. 5, pp. 67–73;
V. Abbate / A. Mazza, Il Libro dei Panduri. Disegni di Domenico Maria Fratta nelle collezioni di Palazzo Abatellis, Exh. Cat. Palermo, 10th November 1994 – 5th February 1995.