Giovanni Battista Cipriani R.A. 1727-1785 Anglo-Italian School 18th.Century. Pen and ink drawing on laid paper. Neoclassical figure studies of maidens and cupids. 23.7 by 20 cms. Some timestaining and well repaired 1.5 cm tear to right edge, all to no real detriment. Provenance: Davies-Cooke catalogue number '9414' Gwysaney Hall.
Born at Florence, Cipriani was bought to London in 1755 by the architect Sir William Chambers and the sculptor Joseph Wilton who had met him in Rome. He was employed in the decoration of many public and private houses and in some cases designed the architectural details such as the plasterwork, wall decoration, woodwork and stonecarving. He was a foundation member of the Royal Academy designing it's Diploma. Ellis Waterhouse describes him as "One of the greatest backroom figures of the Neoclassic style in England."