Attributed to Pieter van Hoeck

Arthur Feldmann, Brno;
looted by the Gestapo;
acquired in 1947 by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (L.1943);
restituted in 2009 to the heirs of Arthur Feldmann

Berlin, Kupferstichkabinett, Pieter Bruegel d.Ä. als Zeichner, 1975, no. 276, reproduced fig. 236 (as "Tobias Verhaecht (?)")

Framing lines in dark brown ink are visible in places along the edges of the sheet. There is a small repaired tear in the lower right corner, a few small brown stains in the lower left corner and some pale discolouration visible mainly in the sky. The sheet is window-mounted but the overall condition of the drawing is good.
"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."

For the full story of the Feldmann Collection, see sale catalogue, New York, Sotheby's, 28 January 2009, preface to lots 56-62 (see also lots 17, 141 and 142 in the present sale). Van Hoeck was a pupil and close associate of Tobias Verhaecht, to whom this drawing was formerly attributed.