Esaias van de Velde

Laid down. Various minor repaied tears towards edges. Surface a little rubbed in places, but drawing still very legible.
"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."

This previously unrecorded drawing of soldiers and others relaxing in a tavern represents something of a rarity within Esaias's work.  The great majority of his drawings are landscapes, and although other figural compositions are known that are broadly similar to this in type, almost all of them show scenes of violence, with soldiers attacking villages or peasants brawling.  Of the few exceptions, the closest to this in subject are a drawing of soldiers relaxing in a barn, in a Dutch private collection, and a tavern interior, in Berlin.¹

1. G.S. Keyes, Esaias van den Velde, Doornspijk 1984, nos. D31, D39.