Venetian School, 17th Century Study of a bearded manVenetian School, 17th CenturyStudy of a bearded man oil on paper, laid down on canvas40.2 x 34.3cm (15 13/16 x 13 1/2in).ProvenanceThe Collection of Luigi Modestini (1898-1970), and thence by descent to the present ownersLuigi Modestini is perhaps best known as administrator of Studio d'Arte Palma, Rome, in the 1940s and '50s. Founded in the last weeks of the German occupation of Rome in May 1944, Studio d'Arte Palma was established to bring together under one roof various aspects of the art world and offered exhibitions, conservation and restoration, and a selling space. Luigi's brother, Mario, was also a significant figure in the art world at the time; he went on to become one of the most important restorers of his age and served as the conservator of the Kress Collection between 1949 and 1961.