Michel Corneille The Younger (1642 – 1708) - Roman Charity

Michel CORNEILLE the Younger (Paris, 1642 – 1708)
Roman Charity (Cimon and Pero)


Black chalk with white highlights on beige paper

Height: 28 cm – Width: 20 cm

France, circa 1690

An important rediscovered drawing by Michel Corneille the Younger, one of the leading French history painters under Louis XIV. Admitted to the Royal Academy in 1663, Corneille worked for the celebrated collector Everhard Jabach and executed major royal commissions, including at Versailles. He was also a remarkably gifted draughtsman.

This moving sheet depicts the ancient subject of Roman Charity with striking graphic intensity and dramatic power. The upward gaze of Pero recalls the sibyls popularized by Guido Reni, while the bearded, balding head of Cimon — seen in profile — is a recurring type in Corneille’s oeuvre, both painted and drawn.

The composition draws inspiration from a painting then attributed to Guido Reni (acquired by Louis XIV in 1682), but the execution and characterization clearly reveal Corneille’s hand.
The drawing likely dates from around 1690, during the artist’s mature period, when his line reached a confident blend of movement, tension, and psychological depth.

Full scholarly notice by art historian François Marandet available upon request.

Provenance: former English art trade.

Please contact us for further information, high-resolution images, or a private viewing.