Flemish School, 16th Century

François Desmarais (bears his collector's mark, not in Lugt)
His sale, Paris, Hubert Le Blanc, Nouveau Drouot, March 2, 1984, lot 15, illus.(as French School, second half of the 16th Century)
Same Art, Ltd. Paris, 1985 (as French School, 1600)
Ian Woodner Family Collection, New York, 1985
Their sale, Christie's London, July 2, 1991, lot 137 (as French School, circa 1600), unsold
William H. Schab Gallery, Inc., New York
Acquired from the above, 1994

New York, William H. Schab Gallery, Inc., 1994, Catalogue 80, no. 3 (as Cornelis Massys or the Master of the Errera Sketchbook)
Morgan 2001, no. 1

Paper somewhat discolored top and right edges, a little light foxing throughout, small thin patch in bottom right corner, otherwise in reasonably good condition. The pen and ink is much darker and the drawing more detailed and the paper less pink than the illustration in the catalogue.
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 in the past this drawing has been catalogued as French School, it is difficult to find comparisons to support that attribution which, in any case, may have been based merely on the fact of the French view and the French inscription. The style and technique seem more Flemish, but although the names of Cornelis Massys and the mysterious Master of the Errera Sketchbook have been considered, neither is convincing and the very appealing drawing must remain anonymous.

Meudon, six miles east of Versailles, is now a suburb of Paris. In the 16th century, Charles de Lorraine built a house there which had a famous view of the city.