The Morgan Library Museum: a double acquisition

Two preparatory drawings by Guercino for his illustrious Drawings Book

Two extraordinary sheets by Guercino executed in 1618 for his well-known Book of Drawings, which we had the chance to detect in a private collection and which we presented at the recent edition of the London Art Week, will become part of the permanent collection of the Morgan Library Museum.

We are grateful to John Marciari for supporting its acquisition with the support of the Gordon Ray Fund and the Fellows Endowment Fund.

 

The discovery is of great rarity. These are, in fact, the orignals Guercino handed over to the engraver Oliviero Gatti for transfer to print, a mechanical process that normally caused their destruction. Having escaped this effect and been preserved over time, what other better place could we hope to find to ensure them a well-deserved and protected rest for the pleasure of lovers of such a great artist! We are proud to have found them a safe home that will honour them!

8 July 2016