- 128
German School, circa 1700
Estimate
3,000 - 4,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Two figures in a landscape
- Pen and brown ink and brown and grey wash over traces of black chalk;
the centre section drawn on separate sheet of paper, measuring 165 by 205 mm, laid down onto the sheet below;
bears inscription in point of the brush and brown wash, lower left: H. Swannevelt and bears inscription in pen and brown ink, verso: The arms of the De Medici as seen / if you hold this before the light / Herman Swanevelt. 15. 1620 at Woerden; also a pen and ink sketch of a plan and numbering, verso: SK14
Literature
A.C. Steland, Herman van Swanevelt (um 1603-1655) Gemälde und Zeichnungen, Petersberg 2010, vol. I, p. 338, no. Z 3, 24; reproduced vol. II, fig. Z 266
Condition
Window mounted. A additional picee of paper hs been added and laid down onto the main sheet. Overall both sheets of paper are in good condition with the medium remainsing fresh and vibrant. There is a slight nick in the added piece of paper at the right margin. A couple of tiny brown stains and some surface dirt - otherwise 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
This rather intriguing drawing is made up of two parts. Very visibly, the centre section has been executed on another piece of paper, laid down onto the main sheet. What is rather unexpected is that when you hold the sheet to the light (as instructed by the inscription on the back), another drawing of several coats of arms drawn in pen and light blue ink is visible. The most probable explanation for this is that the artist started to draw his landscape on the smaller sheet but required more space so laid this down onto another, larger sheet of paper, where he continued to draw the rest of the landscape.
The drawing is published by Anne Charlotte Steland under the section of 'doubtful attributions' in her book on Herman Swanevelt. Stylistically, and from the paper, this drawing appears to be 18th-century in origin. The technique and handling of the pen and ink comes more from the world of Franz Kobell (Mannheim 1749 - 1822 Munich) and the drawing could very well be by an artist in his circle.