- 2
Flemish School, 16th Century
Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 GBP
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Description
- Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, depicted within a globe
- Pen and black ink, watercolour and gouache, circular
Condition
Window mounted, and backed with japan paper. Some dark stains at edges, but mainly visible only from verso. Thin spot towards right centre edge, and a little rubbed in places, but otherwise good and 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."
"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
In this striking and highly unusual image, the representation of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden is placed on the surface of a small globe, with the sun and a flock of flying birds on one side, and the moon amongst stars on the other. The composition is a free reworking of the central portion of a woodcut by the Master M.S., made to illustrate the celebrated Luther Bible, published in 1534. In the print, which represents The Creation, the image that we have here is surmounted by an imposing figure of God the Father.
Although the general layout of the drawing's composition is comparable to that of its printed prototype, there are many differences in the details of the landscape and the animals within it. Stylistically, the drawing has both German and Flemish qualities, but on balance the figures and animals seem drawn in a manner reminiscent of mid-16th century Flemish artists such as Hans Bol. Its function is also somewhat mysterious; perhaps it was made as a preliminary study for an enamelled plaquette, or an embroidered decoration on an ecclesiastical robe.