After Luca Cambiaso (1527-1585), pen, ink and wash - The Descent from the Cross, probably 16th century, 33.5cm x 25cm, in glazed frame.Two watermarks: one a six-point star within a larger mark; the other a sun (?) with an artichoke (?)Other versions:Art Institute of Chicago, Ref.1922.573, (34.6 x 24.8 cm)Städel Meum, Frankfort am Main, Inv. no. 3988, (33.1 x 22.6 cm)Cambiaso was an important Italian artist working in Genoa in the 16th century. He isregarded as the leading artist in Genoa at that time and founded an importantschool with a studio and circle of followers.In 1583, at the invitation of Philip II of Spain, he came to work in Segovia, north-westof Madrid, on the decoration of the newly-built Monastery of Saint Lawrence, knowntoday as The Escorial. Like his father, Charles V, Philip preferred Italian art and, overthe years,missioned a number of them toe to Spain and work for him.Unfortunately, Cambiaso did not live to return to Italy, dying at the palace in 1585,two years after his arrival.Other versions of this subject by Cambiaso are in the Art Institute of Chicago and theStädel Meum, in Frankfurt.