After Pieter Bruegel the Elder

The complete set, comprising seven engravings by Pieter van der Heyden, 1558, first states (of two) and only states, New Hollstein 23 and 24 fine impressions, otherwise good impressions although New Hollstein 22, 25, 26 and 27 showing areas of slight wear, on paper with Gothic p and small jug watermarks, each framed

Sale, Sotheby's New York, 14 May 1992, lot 110, $15,400, where acquired by the present owner

New Holl. trimmed at left to the P of P Brueghel, on or just within the plate mark at three sides, retaining a fillet of margin at the upper and upper right sheet edges, New Holl. 23 with thread margins or trimmed just within the plate mark, otherwise with wide to thread margins, in good condition overall, some sheets with pale light-staining. Imperfections to individual plates are:New Holl. 21: some mottled fox marks (most apparent in the cloak of the giant figure and in the upper right of the subject)New Holl. 22: the addition of a beard in pen and ink on the face of the open-mouthed figure in the upper middle section of the imageNew Holl. 24: light-staining, an arc-shaped repaired tear to the left of the centre of the image next to the large urn, a small v-shaped made up loss in the title (touched in), two repaired tears at the right sheet edge (extending approximately 1cm into the subject), the sheet taped at centre of side edges (the verso only partially examined)New Holl. 25: a small repaired tear at upper left corner, remains of previous hinges at sheet edges versoNew Holl. 26: a pen and ink inscription on the bridge in the image reading: 'Invidia Demonis Mors venit'New Holl. 27: taped at intervals verso to the backboard (the verso unexamined), a few scattered fox marks (mainly towards the left of the image)
"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."