Dutch School, early 17th Century

Hinge mounted in two places along the upper edge to an old decorative mount. The sheet has somewhat discoloured and there are minor stains and areas of surface dirt to the extremities. The pen and ink medium remains reasonably strong throughout.
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.

It is understandable why this robustly executed composition should have been attributed to the Haarlem artist Jan Philipsz. van Bouckhorst, but in the end the handling is more regular and less calligraphic then Bouckhorst's.  Nor does the other proposed attribution, to Andries Both, seem convincing.  There are, though, clear stylistic echoes of Goltzius and Matham, and the drawing most probably does originate from Haarlem, and date from the early years of the 17th century.