David Teniers the Younger

Claude-Augustin Mariette (L.1786, with date, 1697(?)  verso, faded)

Paper lightly but extensively foxed. Remains of old hinges adhering to verso. Various thin spots, especially down left side. Sold in a modern gilded 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."

Little is know about Claude-Augustin Mariette, except that he was the great-uncle of the lauded collector, Pierre-Jean Mariette.  Though formerly attributed to Egbert van Heemskerck, this drawing is extremely close in handling, as well as subject, to a study of Four Monkeys Smoking, in the Louvre.¹  That drawing is thought to have been a study for a painting that is now lost, but known from copies, probably executed during the 1660s.  Drawings in this technique are very rare in Teniers' work, but satirical subjects with monkeys dressed as humans are less so; see, for example, the paintings of A Festival of Monkeys, A Guardroom with Monkeys, or School for Monkeys.² 

1.  Cabinet des dessins, inv. no. 20527; see M. Klinge, David Teniers the Younger, Paintings - Drawings, exhib. cat., Antwerp, Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten, 1991, no. 139
2.  Klinge, op. cit., nos. 5, 6 and 92