L13040

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Lot 8
  • 8

Abraham Bloemaert

Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 GBP
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Description

  • Abraham Bloemaert
  • Prometheus chained, the Griffon Vulture tearing at his liver
  • Pen and brown ink and wash, heightened with (oxidised) white, over black chalk, within brown ink framing lines

Provenance

Henrich Kaspar Lempertz (1816-1898) (L.1337);
sale, Berlin, Bassenge, 26 May 1995, lot 5053

Literature

J. Bolten, Abraham Bloemaert, The Drawings, Leiden 2007, vol. I, p. 175, n. 7, under no. 491, p. 297, under no. 887, reproduced vol. II, fig. 491b

Condition

Some minor losses and thin areas in the corners. Whites somewhat oxidised. A few minor stains and spots, especially lower left. Some slight surface dirt, but overall condition reasonably good - ink still fresh and strong.
"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."

Catalogue Note

Including the present work, Bloemaert made at least eight drawings of the figure of Prometheus, executed over a period of nearly sixty years, between the early 1590s and the late 1640s.1  This drawing must be a relatively early work, dating from not much later than 1600.  Another study of a male figure in the same pose, though without any specific attributes identifying him as Prometheus, is also known.2

1.  Bolten, op. cit., nos. 484-490
2.  Bolten, op. cit., under no. 887