Florentine School, (late 17th century), Ostrich

Florentine School (late 17th century)OstrichPen and ink with sepia wash23.5 x 19cm (9¼ x 7¼ in.)There is a comparable, albeit earlier, drawing by Giulio Romano in the British Museum, dated from the mid 16th century. (Pp,2.91)Ostriches were frequently held in European menageries in the early modern period. In addition to this, the European fashion for ostrich feathers to trim hats and other accoutrements was almost solely responsible for the extirpation of the birds from northern Africa. Egypt (and especially Egyptian Jewish merchants, for whom the trade seems to have been something of a traditional sinecure) supplied much of this market, harvesting feathers and live specimens from the Sudan, Yemen and Ethiopia and exporting them to Europe from Alexandria.Condition Report: Discolouration to the sheet throughout. There are a number of white blemishes scattered throughout the sheet - possibly the result of pervious restoration. There is a repaired tear (approx 2cm) below the ostrich's torso. Below this and between the animal's legs there are a number of pin holes. There is a further, smaller tear (approx 5mm) to the lower left edge. There is a watermark stain to the upper right corner (approx 2cm). Slight undulation to the sheet under the glaze. Unexamined out of glazed frame.Condition Report Disclaimer