Pieter Jansz. Quast

August Artaria (L.33);
possibly his sale, Vienna, H.O. Miethke, 12 January 1886

Sold framed. Laid down on japan paper. There are some small losses and tears at the left-hand half of the upper edge, and on the right-half, the paper is slightly folded. There upper part of the right-hand edge is also uneven. There are some very tiny insect-like holes at the lower left quarter. Some yellow/brown stains around the margins, particularly along the upper margin, presumably from old glue on the verso. The chalk, however, is still quite 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This is a fine example of the comic scenes depicted by Quast, which were often drawn from specific sources in popular theatre.  The Quack doctor was frequently satirised in Dutch 17th Century art and indeed another drawing by Quast, showing the fraudster selling his wares, was sold in Amsterdam in 1992.¹

1. Christie's, 25 November 1992, lot 554