Danube School circa 1600

Bears unidentified collector's mark, verso ('Blome'; not in Lugt)

Unframed. There are losses to all corners, from where the sheet was previously laid down. Some light foxing, particularly at the left edge, and a small dark stain at the centre of the right edge. Also a very light small blue stain in the upper left quarter. Some surface dirt towards the margins. The ink, however, is still fresh and overall the image is not affected by the condition problems.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This landscape, and the following two lots, appear to be by an artist who was familiar with the work of Wolf Huber and his extraordinary fantasy landscapes, often framed by the contorted shapes of trees stripped bare, or shaped by wild tumbling vegetation such as we see here.  However, the more fluid lines and looser compositional structure of this group of drawings seems to indicate a slightly later date, with an author from the second generation of Danube School artists.