Attributed to Jan Havicksz. Steen

W. Mayor (L.2799);
Dr. N. Beets, Amsterdam,
his sale, Amsterdam, Frederik Muller & Cie, 9-11 April 1940, lot 97

Unframed. Some small areas of damage at the centre and lower corner of the left edge, also at the upper right corner, repaired. The paper a little browned and there are the remains of some slight diagonal creases. The chalk still fresh.
"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."

Only one securely attributed drawing by Steen is known: a double-sided sheet in the Rijksmuseum, on which are studies for figures in a painting by the artist in Vienna.¹ The present study, though slightly less delicate than the Amsterdam drawing, is broadly similar in style, but the figure does not seem to occur in any painting by Steen. An alternative attribution to Ludolf de Jongh should also perhaps be considered.²

1.  See P. Schatborn, Dutch Figure Drawings from the seventeenth century, exh. cat., Amsterdam, Rijksmuseum, and Washington, National Gallery of Art, 1981-2, p. 79, cat. 90

2. Ibid., p. 77