Francis Quirk Drawing of Religious Figure to be Auctioned

Echoes Antiques and Auction Gallery in Seaford, New York will soon be auctioning a 1971 drawing that is listed as being of Pope John Paul I on May 24, 2022. 

The drawing appears to be in pencil, charcoal or crayon and illustrates a religious figure interacting with a female. The drawing encompasses the heads of the two individuals focusing on the left figure shown in profile and the right female figure shown from slightly behind profile.  Because she is drawn in a lighter hand and from behind the focus shifts to the religious silhouette that is outlined with a heavy line. 

An important aspect of the drawing is actually undrawn. And it is the line of eye contact between the two individuals. They are clearly engaged, and the invisible sight line crosses the plane of the left figure's silhouette at a right angle giving it a sense of 'directness' or connection. 

1971 Drawing by Francis Quirk

The description lists the drawing as being of Pope John Paul I, but this attribution is questionable for three reasons. First John Paul I did not become Pope until 1978, well after Quirk's death in 1974. While it is possible the image could be of John Paul I before he became pope, this is unlikely given the next two reasons. The figure does not look like John Paul I as he had larger ears and a more hawkish nose. And third John Paul I frequently wore glasses in his later years. 

Pope John Paul I

This begs the question as to the identity of the religious figure, but alas, our research has not been able to solve that question. There was no other papal visit to the US in 1971 and we are unaware if Quirk traveled overseas at this time. We also executed a brief and fruitless search of the owner of the drawing according to the label on the reverse, Margaret M. DuBois.  

The close up of the signature appears to be that of Quirk executed in pen. Looking at it closely, one can almost see a pencil signature below the ink or it may be a reflection from the frame glass. There also has been some toning of the drawing paper where it touches the matting.

The label on the back lists Margaret M.(?) DuBois as the owner.
It was framed in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania