An Unknown Drawing by Giorgione

It is not easy to form a clear view of the art of the great Venetian painter Giorgione (ca. 1477/78-1510). About his drawings even less is known than about his paintings. In the following pages I wish to present a drawing in a private collection which fits far better as a potential preparatory study by Giorgione for an architectural background such as that features in "La tempesta" ("The tempest"). Although it is neither documented as Giorgione, nor directly related to his painted "oeuvre," the stylistic similarities with the two painted landscapes mentioned by Marantonio Michiel are obvious enough to allow for a plausible attribution to Giorgione. [Abridged Publication Abstract]