Adolph Menzel

Erich and Edith Manasse, Grunewald, Berlin (acquired circa 1920); thence by descent to the present owner

Apart from a minor 3cm diagonal tear in the sheet running from the lower edge through the 'A' and part of the 'M' of the signature, the work is in good original condition. Held in a plain gold-painted frame, under glass.
"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."

Menzel used this drawing as the basis for a gouache he made the same year, measuring 15 by 11cm. and titled Konzertpublikum (Hugo von Tschudi, Adolph von Menzel. Abbildungen seiner Gemälde und Studien auf Grund der von der Kgl. Nationalgalerie im Frühjahr 1905 veranstalteten Ausstellung, Munich, 1906, no. 661). The clue lies in the cross along the upper right edge. Menzel would often apply a cross to drawings whose subject re-appeared in finished compositions, presumably as a reminder to himself that he had done so and to avoid using it again. 

The authenticity of this work has been confirmed by Dr Marie Ursula Riemann-Reyher.