Lot 69
  • 69

Hendrik de Clerck Brussels 1570 (?) - 1630

Estimate
2,500 - 3,500 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • Hendrik de Clerck
  • study of diana with her nymphs and hounds
  • pen and brown ink and wash, heightened with white, over traces of red oil (?) counterproof, squared in black chalk and pricked for transfer

Condition

Stronger and darker than in catalogue illustration. Laid down. Some minor repaired tears, especially right edge. Crack along vertical crease, centre. Paper somewhat dirty, and abraded in places, on ridges. Light brown stains, left edge. Small hole, centre. Overall visual effect nonetheless still good and clear. 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."

Catalogue Note

The curious transfer technique seen in this drawing, involving the making of some kind of counterproof or tracing in a violet-red oil-based pigment, is found in a number of works produced in the studio of Hendrick de Clerck (and also, incidentally, in that of Adam-Frans van der Meulen).  The figure types in the present sheet correspond well with those of de Clerck, but it remains unclear exactly how a drawing of this type would have been made or used, and to what extent it may have been executed by de Clerck himself, rather than one of his studio assistants.