Luca GIORDANO known as "Fra Pesto" (1632 Naples... Lot 35

Luca GIORDANO known as "Fra Pesto" (1632 Naples - 1705) Scene from the life of Saint Benedict surrounded by four monks Pen and brown ink, brown wash on black pencil strokes 29,3 x 20,8 cm Traces of restorations, stains and folds Annotated "J...? " at the bottom centre According to Professor Ferrari, this is a preparatory study for one of the frescoes in the Life of St. Benedict (made between 1679 - 1681) in the choir of the Church of St. Gregory of Armenia in Naples. Fresco called "The Miracle of the Serpent" (see: sales catalogue, Paris, Tajan, 15 April 1996, n°74) Provenance: anonymous sale, Paris, Hôtel Drouot, Maître Tajan, 15 April 1996, n°74