After Pieter Brueghel the Elder

Four engravings by Philips Galle, circa 1559-60, from The Seven Virtues, very good, early impressions, B. 133-134 only states, B. 136-137 first state (of two), with the guidelines in the text below printing clearly, B. 133 on paper with a High Crown watermark (cf. Briquet 5023, dated 1569-70), B. 134 with a Jug watermark (Br. 12720, dated 1559), B. 137 with a Dolphin watermark (Br. 5845, dated 1562)

B. 134, 136 ex coll. G. W. Günther (L. 1114)

B. 133: sheet: 224 by 293mm 8 7/8 by 11½in B. 134: sheet: 224 by 292mm 8¾ by 11½in B. 136: sheet: 221 by 297mm 8¾ by 11 5/8 in B. 137: sheet: 220 by 288mm 8 5/8 by 11 3/8 in B. 133: With thread margins, trimmed on or just within the platemark in places, in good condition apart from a minute paper loss just under the tablet 'Spes' at bottom centre, occasional tiny pale fox marks (mainly towards edges), a pale adhesive stain at lower right corner, a central vertical and horiziontal fold (mainly visible verso), unframed. B. 134: With thread margins on three sides, trimmed just within the borderline above, in good condition apart from a minute paper loss at lower right (at top of the farthest figure's walking stick), two vertical repaired tears at upper left corner (longest measuring 17mm), some minor paper losses and nicks at upper edge, a number inscription to the right of the printer's address, the upper edge supported with a thin strip of laid paper, unframed. B. 136: Trimmed just outside the borderline on three sides, just outside the text below, two vertical repaired tears at lower edge (possibly associated with vertical central folds partially broken through, the longest extending just into the central female figure's lower leg), a horizontal repaired tear at centre of left edge (extending to the right of the book), other minor repaired tears at edges, a pale circular stain at centre top, backed with a sheet of laid paper, unframed. B. 137: Trimmed just outside the borderline, with a couple of short repaired tears at lower and left edges of sheet (the longest measuring 18mm), small supported paper losses at upper left edge and lower right corner (this corner with a short associated repaired tear), a nick at left and lower edges, a pale brown stain at lower right corner, a central vertical fold and a diagonal one at right (mainly visible verso), unframed.
"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."