Giovanni BOLDINI - Study of Bernini’s Equestrian Statue of Louis XIV at Versailles

Medium	Pencil, with stumping, on ruled paper from a notebook.
Dimensions	17.4 x 22.2 cm (6⁷/₈ x 8³/₄ inches)
Gallery	Stephen Ongpin Fine Art

Description
Technical

The present sheet was used to illustrate the cover of the invitation to the opening of the Exposition Boldini at the Musée Jacquemart-André in Paris in 1963. On the occasion of this important retrospective exhibition of Boldini’s work, this drawing was presented by the artist’s widow, Emilia Cardona Boldini (1899-1977) to Comte Arnauld Doria (1890-1977), the director of the Musée Jacquemart-André.

A chalk sketch by Boldini of the Bernini’s equestrian statue of Louis XIV situated in the park at Versailles, seen from a different angle and from farther away, is in the collection of the Museo Boldini in Ferrara, while another drawing by Boldini after the same equestrian statue appeared at auction in Paris in 2018.

Medium: Pencil, with stumping, on ruled paper from a notebook.
Signature: Inscribed and dedicated 8 mars - 9 juin 1963 - musée jacquemart andré / de l'album no.16, si souvent feuilleté, / ce dessin de Boldini au Comte Doria / avec la reconnaissante amitié de / Milli Boldini on the verso.

Dimensions: 17.4 x 22.2 cm (6⁷/₈ x 8³/₄ inches)
Provenance: Part of a sketchbook that was among the contents of Boldini’s Paris studio at the time of his death
By descent to the artist’s widow, Emilia Cardona Boldini, Ferrara
Given by her in 1963 to Comte Arnauld Doria, Paris (with his collection label and number 979 on the reverse of the frame)
Thence by descent.

Exhibitions: Paris, Musée Jacquemart-André, Boldini, 1963 (ex-catalogue, but reproduced actual size on the front of the invitation to the opening of the exhibition).

Categories: Paintings, Drawings & Prints