Netherlandish School, 16th Century

Window mounted. The chalk has been rubbed in places where its strength has faded slightly. There is a faint vertical crease running down the centre of the sheet. Overall the drawing is in good condition and overall image strong.
"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."

This intriguing drawing represents a tripartite altarpiece of the inverted 'T' format that was particularly popular in Flanders in the late 15th century.  Interestingly, though, the fictive spaces of the three parts of the composition are not physically separated from each other, as would normally have been the case in a work of this period, whether painted or sculpted, and there are also other details that would be unusual in such an early work.  In terms of style, the drawing itself would appear to date from the middle of the 16th century, so it seems most likely that this is a rather free copy made at that time, after an earlier prototype.  It has not, however, so far been possible to identify any painted altar or sculpted retable that might have served as the basis for this drawing, so it remains possible that the drawing was in fact made somewhat earlier in the century, and is a very rare working study for an altarpiece.