One of the leading Neapolitan painters of the first half of the 17th century and Ribera’s chief rival, Massimo Stanzione influenced a whole generation of artists there in the 1630s and 40s. Influenced by his Bolognese contemporaries, his paintings are distinguished by rich warm palettes and elegant, sophisticated compositions blending ideal form with touching naturalism.

Stanzione’s drawing style is masterful, fluid and energetic, qualities reflected in this sheet. The pose of crouching figure seen from behind to the left reappears in several of Stanzione’s paintings, notably his Massacre of the Innocents (Harrach Collection, Rohrau, Germany) and Sacrifice of Moses (Capodimonte Museum, Naples).