Isack van Ostade Haarlem 1621 - 1649

William Esdaile (L.2617)

Framed. Partially laid down. The sheet has very slightly yellowed in some parts. Very minor diagonal crease, upper left corner. Small loss, left bottom corner. Image is still quite strong and in good condition.
"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."

As Dr. Bernhard Schnackenburg has confirmed,1 this is a characteristic figure study by Isack van Ostade, executed around 1642/43.  Many of the artist's rapid figure studies of this type were subsequently worked up with wash or watercolour by Cornelis Dusart, who inherited the Ostade studio contents after the death of Isack's brother Adriaen in 1685, but the present drawing has remained untouched, and is an excellent example of Isack's mastery of figure drawing.  The famous English collector William Esdaile (1758-1837) owned a considerable number of Ostade figure studies.

1. Letter to the previous owner, 24 November 1988