ATTRIBUTED TO MARCANTONIO FRANCESCHINI (BOLOGNA 1648 - 1729) Study of a Female Figure on a cloud da sotto in su red chalk over black chalk underdrawing 173 x 210 mm (6 3/4 x 8 1/4 in.) Watermark The present work draws stylistical comparison with the red chalk drawing in the Cleveland Museum of Art representing Miriam Leading the Chorus of Women Who Give Thanks for the Routing of Pharoah . The composition it is preparatory for could be similar to the fresco of the ex-church of Sant'Agostino drawing from the cartoon representing the Church and its Symbols (Fig.1) . Franceschini was the favourite pupil of Carlo Cignani under whom he trained in the painting of illusionistic fresco, working in his studio on various fresco projects. He soon went on to working independently, and became highly regarded for his fresco painting skills.