North Italian School, circa 1460

Window mounted. In the middle a repaired old fold, possibly from the drying of the sheet, and at the bottom a ridge in the manufacture of the paper. Light soiling and small stains scattered around, especially towards the lower and top margins. Some thinning of the paper to the left margin.
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.

This very early drawing of a horseman taken by surprise by a rampant, fire-breathing gryphon, was possibly once part of a sketchbook.  The proposed dating of circa 1460 has been confirmed by Dr. Hans-Joachim Eberhardt who also believes the drawing could be the work of an artist active in the Veneto.¹ The style of the present sheet shows a very individual personality which, in contrast to the images typically found in model- or pattern-books of this early period, reflects a certain individuality of expression.  This type of image became more possible as paper became more freely available, allowing artists to draw much more regularly, even on a daily basis.  The present sheet shows a narrative that was not conceivable in a pattern book context, and a much higher freedom of expression, which allowed the artists of the time to explore different ideas, often then used in their paintings.   Delicately drawn in pen and brown ink, this sheet appears to be the work of a North Italian artist, but the scarcity of material on paper from this period, and our very slight knowledge regarding the graphic production of many of the masters and their workshops, make any specific attribution very challenging.  

¹ Letter to the owner dated 30 May 2007