Hendrik van Cleve III

Repaired tear across upper right corner, and another, smaller, towards lower right corner. Somewhat thin around edges, from previous mounting. Light water staining, centre, towards bottom. One or two other light brown stains, especially lower right, and paper somewhat browned throughout. Ink nonetheless otherwise reasonably good and strong.
"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."

Late in his career, Van Cleef made a number of drawings of Italianate landscapes, some topographically accurate, others, like this, capricci.  Twelve of his drawings of landscapes with ruins were engraved by Adriaen Collaert and published in 1587, under the title Regionum, Rurium, Fundorum, Varii Amoeni Prospectus (Hollstein 535-546).  Other known drawings of this type bear dates between 1584 and 1588.