Roman School, Late 17th Century

This large-scale, extensively worked drawing reflects the stylistic influence of Pietro da Cortona, but appears to be slightly later in date, closer to the end of the 17th century. It also has some northern qualities, and may very well be by one of many artists from the Netherlands who visited and worked in Rome at this time. A recent intriguing proposal is that the drawing could be by Livio Mehus (1630-1691), who studied under and worked for Cortona in the middle years of the century.