Israhel van Meckenem

Engraving, circa 1495, from Scenes of Daily Life, a good impression of this very rare subject, though showing traces of wear in the densely hatched areas at upper right, on paper with a Flower watermark (Lehrs 1; Briquet 6322, dated 1486)

Trimmed on or just within the borderline, slightly unevenly at lower left (lacking the blank strip with the artist's monogram below), in good condition apart from a small area of rubbing with associated smudged printer's ink at the lower left corner, a horizontal and vertical fold verso, faintly visible recto, with an associated central pinhole, three small thin areas (in middle of print and at the lower left corner) visible when the print is held up to the light (a small area of open bite beside the urn at lower right of subject), 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."