A Detail from the 'Paradiso' in the Doge's Palace, Venice

This is thought to be a sketch copied after Jacopo Tintoretto's fresco 'Paradise' painted in the main hall of the Doge's Palace in Venice, although the figures in this drawing bear no resemblance to any of the figures in the finished composition. The original fresco, painted by Italian painter Guariento in the 14th century, was destroyed by a fire in 1577. A competition was held to nominate an artist to replace the damaged painting. Paolo Veronese won the commission, but unfortunately died before the fresco was executed. Tintoretto subsequently took over the commission.