German School, early 16th century

A little surface dirt, and two small stains in background, but otherwise good condition.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Although the technique of constructing the features of the figure with repeated touches of the point of the brush is seen in both German and Netherlandish drawings of the period around and shortly after 1500, the strong echoes of Dürer in this interesting head study, and also the reminiscenses of the style of Hans Holbein the Elder, suggest it is most likely south German in origin.  Indeed, as Fritz Koreny has kindly pointed out to us, there is a very similar, small head study of an old woman in a headdress by Holbein the Elder, in the Cleveland Museum of Art.¹  The Cleveland drawing is executed in silverpoint rather than brush and wash, and the precise forms of the headdress are different, but the overall conception is extremely similar.  The present drawing must date from the first years of the 16th century.

^1.   J.H. Wade Fund, inv. 1970.14