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1 of 253523 objects
Maned three-toed sloth 1626
Watercolour and bodycolour over black chalk | 42.7 x 58.7 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 921144
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A watercolour of a maned sloth (Bradypus torquatus), showing a full length side view with the animal standing upright on feet which each have three long, vicious looking claws and its open mouth displays sharp, pointed teeth.
The sloth, a native of Brazil, spends its life hanging from trees by its claws, and does not have the musculature to maintain the posture shown here. This drawing was probably copied from a painting which Cassiano saw in Madrid in 1626. The original artist presumably working from a preserved specimen to reconstruct its appearance worked on the reasonable assumption that it would have stood upright like other mammals.Provenance
Commissioned by Cassiano dal Pozzo; from whose heirs purchased by Pope Clement XI, 1703; his nephew, Cardinal Alessandro Albani, 1721; from whom bought by George III, 1762 and thence by descent to King George V (dispersed from Royal Library between the two World Wars); London art market (most via dealer Jacob Mendelson); by Sir Rex Nan Kivell (partner of the Redfern Galleries on Cork Street); presented to Queen Elizabeth II in 1976-77.
As part of ongoing provenance research, this work has been identified as having uncertain or incomplete provenance for the years 1933–45. Royal Collection Trust welcomes information and assistance in the investigation and clarification of the provenance of all works during that era. -
Creator(s)
(artist)Acquirer(s)
Commissioner(s)
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Medium and techniques
Watercolour and bodycolour over black chalk
Measurements
42.7 x 58.7 cm (sheet of paper)
Object type(s)
Other number(s)
RL 21144Featured in
ExhibitionAmazing Rare Things: The Art of Natural History in the Age of Discovery: The Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace
Drawings illustrating the development of European knowledge
