Herman Saftleven

Sale, Amsterdam, Christie's, 15 November 1993, lot 91;
sale, London, Sotheby's, 3 April 1995, lot 268, purchased by the present owner

Unframed. Inset into japan paper. There is some very slight foxing, visible only really in the upper right quarter. Some very slight abrasion to the lower left quarter. Otherwise the condition is fine, the watercolour still 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.

Although it has not been possible to identify precisely the view seen here, this drawing must relate to the large series of views of the same format which Herman Saftleven produced in 1674, apparently to record the extensive damage to the buildings of Utrecht wrought by the famous whirlwind which struck the city on 1 August of that year.¹  Many of the drawings in this series are executed in black chalk and gray wash, and are distinctively inscribed by the artist on the reverse with a detailed identification of the view depicted.²  In addition to these monochrome studies, which were presumably executed from life, there also exist slightly more finished drawings of the same or similar views, some like this incorporating color, which appear to be autograph studio repetitions of drawings make on the scene.

1. See W. Schulz, Herman Saftleven, 1609-1685, Berlin/New York 1982, pp. 90-94, and nos. 540-592
2. See, for example, the study of Ruins near the Gildberg, sold Amsterdam, Sotheby's, 15 November 1994, lot 16