Explore Old Master Works From the 16th Century at Christie’s

Christie’s upcoming auction will offer several Old Master works such as drawings, watercolors, and gouaches that date back to the 16th century. Among the collection of 75 lots is an illustration by Italian Baroque painter Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, also known as Guercino. Using pen and brown ink, this study shows a male figure advancing with his sword. Guercino was born in 1591 in the small town of Cento. Though he apprenticed under local artists, including renowned painter Paolo Zagnani, he called himself a self-taught artist. Guercino’s breakthrough came in 1613 with his first Bolognese commission painting. From that point onwards, Guercino’s work drew the attention of many.

A head study by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo is another lot of interest. Figures of women were a recurring subject of his drawings. The piece, created with red and white chalk, shows a woman looking away from the viewer. Her facial features have been highlighted with white strokes of chalk. To view the full catalog of Old Master works from the 16th century, visit Christie’s.