(1694-1757) The Glory of Saint Mary Magdalene, inscribed Daniel le Gran, pen and brown ink, grey wash, on laid paper, 38,2 x 28,2 cm, browned, some foxing, lightly fixed to support, unframed, (Sch)

With a certificate by Dr. Kronbichler of September 3, 2013: Saint Barbara is depicted in the lower part of the drawing. She is surrounded by several putti with the attributes of the saint in their hands. The cardinal virtues Faith, Hope and Love are represented above them. Faith with the crucifix, chalice and lamb is the central figure. The drawing is clearly related to the ceiling fresco by Daniel Gran in the chapel of Schönbrunn castle, painted in 1744. The Albertina (Inv.-Nr. 26.381) in Vienna is preserving a design which is presumably a representation drawing due to the exact rendering of the ceiling’s framing in the drawing. At first glance the present sheet may be a preliminary design for the fresco as the drawing of the framing is missing and the depiction shows alterations of a few details. The drawing essentially represents the drawing style of Daniel Gran. However comparison with other secured drawings by the artist reveal that our drawing is missing the spontaneity and security of the artist’s penstroke. In additon the inscription "Daniel le Gran" in the left corner of the sheet is not an authentic signature but seems to be written by another hand. All this suggests that this sheet was executed after a work by Daniel Gran.

We are grateful to Dr. Johannes Kronbichler for his scientific support.