Cornelis Schut

Paper lightly foxed throughout and lightly discoloured at top. Horizontal crease (from paper-making) across centre, some cracking on right edge of this crease. Some surface abrasion, lower left and right corners. Remains of old backing down right edge of verso. Ink still 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.

Schut's personality as a draughtsman is a little hard to pin down, as the small corpus of drawings attributed to him shows little stylistic consistency.  The present sheet can, however, be compared with a drawing in Dresden, which is a preparatory study for a known painting by the artist,¹ and also with apparently signed drawings, sold in Amsterdam,² and formerly in the Perman Collection.³  The drawing is clearly a developed study for a major altarpiece, but no corresponding painting has yet been identified.

1. G. Wilmers, Cornelis Schut (1597-1655), publ. Brepols (Belgium), 1996, pp. 173-4, cat. A111, reproduced p. 414.
2. Amsterdam, Sotheby's, 21 November 1989, lot 63
3. Oude Tekeningen uit de Nederlanden, exh. cat., Laren, Singer Museum, 1962, cat. 104