According to an old inscription on the reverse, this sheet was long ascribed to Carlo Maratti (1625-1713), but it is more likely by his most faithful pupil Giuseppe Bartolomeo Chiari, whose copious production kept the tradition of elegant classicism alive in Rome well into the 18th century.

This heavily-worked drawing is as yet not associated with a painting commission, but its carefully developed composition, highlighted with white chalk to explore lighting effects, suggests that was its purpose.