Catalogue of the Ellesmere collection, part II : drawings by Giulio Romano and other sixteenth-century masters collected by Sir Thomas Lawrence [ Sotheby & Co., auction catalogue, sale date: 5 December 1972 ]

Sotheby & Co., London, illustrated auction catalogue for the sale held on 5th December, 1972. Printed boards, small 4to, 25 cm,. 205 pp, numerous plates (some folded). From the preface: "This is the second and last portion of the drawings purchased in 1836 by Lord Francis Egerton, later 1st Earl of Ellesmere from the dealer Samuel Woodburn. Eighty drawings by Giulio Romano (circa 1492- 1546) were for sale at a cost of £800, twenty-five of which were included in Woodburn’s fifth exhibition which also included works by Leonardo da Vinci, Perino del Vaga, and Primaticcio. Giulio was Raphael’s principal assistant and an exciting and original painter and architect in his own right. His art is characterized by a highly personal decorative sense, a profound knowledge of classical antiquity and a refreshing comic element. The importance of this large group of drawings lies in the twenty- two studies connected with his decorations in the Palazzo del Te, Mantua executed between 1526-35. Two of these (lots 42 and 43) being for the famous Sala dei Giganti (Room of the Giants) of which Vasari wrote: 'No more terrible work of the brush exists, and anyone entering the room and seeing the windows, doors and other things so twisted that they appear about to fall, and the tumbling mountains and ruins, will fear that all is about to come about his ears, especially as he sees the gods fleeing hither and thither.' Only two other drawings, one of which is untraceable, are known for this incredible room. Vasari also tells us that 'he was always happier in expressing his ideas in drawing than in painting, obtaining more vivacity, vigour, and expression, possibly because a design is made in an hour in heat, while a painting takes months and years'. This, no doubt, is the reason why his drawings have been so highly appreciated by collectors and connoisseurs since the earliest times. 'Carter' written on front wrapper with some lot numbers, otherwise Very Good. Laid in is a 4 pp brochure, 'The Ellesmere Collection Part One', which gives the then present whereabouts of the Ellesmere Collection of drawings by the Carracci.