Matthäus Merian the Elder Basle 1593 - 1650 Bad Schwalbach

Paper surface a little dirty overall, with various small spots. Diagonal join in paper towards left, as described in cataloguing. Ink and wash fractionally sunk, but overall impression still very good and fresh. 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."

In the treatment of details such as the foliage and foreground shading this drawing is very similar to drawings by Merian such as the view of Chur, of circa 1616.¹  The somewhat schematic rendering of the background buildings can also be compared with two views of Basel.²  The curious diagonal joining of two sheets appears to be the work of the artist himself:  both ink and wash extend into and over the join in various places, so we can only assume that Merian took one side of a damaged or rejected drawing and joined that sheet with another, on which he completed the present composition.

1 Formerly Berlin Kupferstichkabinett;  see L.H. Wüthrich, Die Handzeichnungen von Matthaeus Merian D.AE., Basel 1963, cat. no. 6, pl. 12

2 Also formerly in Berlin, Wüthrich, cat. nos. 13-14, pls. 16-17