Willem van Mieris

Sale, London, Sotheby's, 4 July 2007, lot 192

Hinge mounted. There is some minor discoloration to the edges of the sheet and some rubbing to the black chalk in these areas. There is evidence of a small pink stain to the lower right quarter, possibly showing through from a stain to the verso. There are areas of minor staining and surface dirt throughout. The main portrayal of Athena is still fresh.
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.

This drawing is a rather personalised copy by Willem van Mieris after a print by Hendrik Goltzius (Hirschmann 139), one of three similar depictions of goddesses which Goltzius engraved in 1596.

Dr. Albert Elen has kindly informed us that he knows of another unpublished drawing by Willem van Mieris in a private collection, which is also a copy after a print.¹  Mieris made at least 60 elaborate, highly finished drawings in the same media as the present example, almost certainly for sale, as finished works of art in their own right.  Two fine examples of his drawings, including a design for an elaborate garden urn, were until recently in the possession of Otto Naumann, New York.²

1.  St. Anthony adoring the Christ Child, by Cornelis Bloemaert after a design by Ciro Ferri from 1678; Hollstein vol. II, no 39.
2.  The Otto Naumann Ltd. Gallery Sale, New York, Sotheby's, 25 January 2007, lots 108, 109.