Lot 3
  • 3

Hans Bock the Elder

Estimate
20,000 - 25,000 USD
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Description

  • Hans Bock the Elder
  • the judgement of Brutus
  • Pen and black ink and gray wash, with touches of blue wash;
    signed and dated, center: HBock / 1581;
    inscribed in cartouche with description of the subject;
    a detail of some panelling, with a slight sketch of a seated roman and a fasces (verso)

Provenance

B. Jolles (L.381);
sale, Munich, Helbing, 28 October 1895, lot 66;
sale, Leipzig, C.G. Boerner, 9-10 May 1930;
with J. Halle, Munich, by 1933

Literature

F. Thöne, 'Der Basler Monogrammist HB von 1575/7, Hans Bock oder Hans Brand?' in Schweizerisches Institut für Kunstwissenschaft, Jahresbericht 1965, Zürich 1966, p. 101, fig. 76

Condition

Unframed. Paper surface slightly wrinkled from having been laid down. Some minor surface abrasions. Small repaired tears at edges. Some light staining and foxing throughout. Otherwise ink and wash good and 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

The scene depicted is the execution of Titus and Tiberius, sons of Brutus, one of the first two Roman Consuls, whose regime replaced that of the Tarquins.  His two sons conspired to reinstate the Tarquin rule and when their plot was discovered, they were condemned to death by their own father, seen here seated to the left of the composition watching the dreadful events with seemingly expressionless features.  The subject achieved a certain popularity as an example of the dangers of disloyalty and the importance of impartial judgement. 

For obvious reasons, such scenes of judgement were particularly popular in the context of town halls and other civic buildings.  In 1608-9 Bock himself executed a series of paintings on the theme of Law and Legislation for the walls of the Basel Town Hall (fig.1). Although the earlier date that is inscribed on the present drawing means that it cannot have been made in connection with the same commission, the similarities of subject, composition and approach to space are none the less very striking.

Bock spent much of his working life in the region of Basel, where he received various civic and private commissions. See also lot 14.