Flemish School, 17th century

Laid down. Tip of the lower left corner missing. Some small discoloration of the paper from previous mount. A few dents at the lower and right margins. Light yellow staining and foxing scattered on the sheet. Sold in a modern partly gilded wooden frame.
"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."

Although this drawing must represent a native Netherlandish scene, there is a clear stylistic affinity with Italianate artists such as Pieter van Laer.  Two other drawings by the same, as yet unidentified hand are known.  One is in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, as anonymous, formerly attributed to Van Laer¹, while the other was on the art market as Attributed to Pieter van Angillis², though comparison with securely attributed drawings by that artist does not support this attribution.  It does, however, seem likely that the author of these three interesting and accomplished drawings was Flemish, rather than Dutch, and working in the second half of the 17th century.

1. Inv. 149⁺ 1941
2. Sold, London, Sotheby's, 18 February 1991, lot 258