A German leather panel late 16th/early 17th century

the roundel depicting a galleon inscribed Hansa, its border draped with fruit and flowers, flanked by a trophy with the coat of arms of the city of Lübeck

The panel has been mounted onto a modern stiff canvas backing. There is significant cracqueure especially to the peripheries of the leather. There are small areas of paint loss and there may be minor areas of re-touching. A rare and attractive item in good condition. To discuss this lot in greater detail please call Edward Rising or David Macdonald on 0207 293 5107 or 0207 293 5507.
"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."

Lübeck, the principal seaport of  Schleswig-Holstein in northern Germany, was the administrative headquarters of the Hanseatic League, the organization of Hansa (or guilds) founded in 1358 by north German towns and German merchant communities abroad to protect their trading interests. In the sixteenth century Lübeck waged an unsuccessful war against Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands, which brought about a decline in the city's economy and in its regional political influence. Although the Hanseatic League was effectively dissolved in 1630, Lübeck remained the most important harbour on the Baltic Sea.  It was neutral during the Thirty Years' War (1618-48).