Cornelis Visscher

Bears unidentified collector's mark, verso (JJS, not in Lugt) 

Laid down on Japan paper. Lower left corner made up. Repaired hole lower centre (just below ruff). Some other thin areas, especially towards bottom of sheet. Some light, yellowish staining throughout. Chalk largely reasonably fresh. Sold in a modern dark wood frame.
"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 drawing has recently been identified as a rare example of a surviving preparatory study by Visscher for one of his portrait prints.¹  The print, in which the sitter is in reverse to the drawing, is one of a pair; the accompanying gentleman, identified as "Meester Michiel Sparenbeeck van Kranenburgh", is depicted in rather more lavish attire than his lady.²

1.  Hollstein vol. 40, no.150
2.  Hollstein 161.  Both prints are in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, inv. nos. RP-P-OB-62238 and RP-P-OB-27438.  See The Glory of the Golden Age, Drawings and Prints, Zwolle/Amsterdam 2000, p. 43, reproduced