Circle of Sir Peter Lely

Grey-blue paper has faded to a more beige colour, except in a strip around the edges. Some minor wrinkling in the sheet, top and bottom edges, but overall condition otherwise good. Sold in a modern, dark wood 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."

Though broadly similar in type to Lely's famous series of drawings of the Knights of the Garter, this is drawn in a much more open, less detailed manner.  It may in fact be the product of the Haarlem tradition, from which Lely derived much of his early drawing style; the watermark (lion rampant in a shield) is often found in Dutch paper of the early and mid-17th century.