Constantijn Daniel van Renesse

Sir Henry Hawley, Bart., Hoove Lea, Brighton;
Hugo Perls, New York

London, Royal Academy, Exhibition of the Works of the Old Masters, 1879 (as Rembrandt, Group of Figures with a Candle)

W. Sumowski, Drawings of the Rembrandt School, New York 1985, vol. 9, no. 2175^x

The paper has darkened (probably as a result of mat-staining). There are small repaired tears in the center and upper corner of the right edge and a tiny paper loss in the lower edge left. There are some other small defects in the sheet edges but the image itself is very strong. Sold in an antique, Dutch style dark brown 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.
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.

Sumowski notes that the present work was previously given to Rembrandt and later thought to be by Samuel van Hoogstraten, an attribution proposed by Wilhelm Valentiner.  According to Sumowski, the use of wash and rendering of form is typical of a Renesse composition.  He draws comparisons with the artist's The Star of the Magi¹ and another unidentifed historical scene.²  The present drawing most probably dates from the beginning of the 1650s.

1.  Sumowski, op.cit., no. 2148, formerly New York, Schaeffer Galleries
2.  Sumowski, op.cit., no. 2150, Schlossmuseum, Weimar, inv. no. KK 5320