A Man Seated on a Throne

Follower of Piero della Francesca

second half 15th century · Pen and brown ink, brush and brown ink, brown wash, heightened with white (partly oxidized), over traces of black chalk. · Robert Lehman Collection

This drawing of an enthroned man holding a scepter may be a portrait of an unidentified ruler, and was perhaps intended for a cycle of illustrious men. In its format, size, and iconography, the drawing recalls popular fifteenth-century tarot cards (tarocchi), and specifically “emperor” cards, which portray similar, closely cropped images of enthroned male figures with attributes of rulership. Formerly associated with Piero della Francesco, the drawing was produced by a less-talented follower.

Artist

Follower of Piero della Francesca

Date

second half 15th century

Medium

Pen and brown ink, brush and brown ink, brown wash, heightened with white (partly oxidized), over traces of black chalk.

Culture

Italian

Department

Robert Lehman Collection

Credit line

Robert Lehman Collection, 1975