- 188
Circle of Frans Francken the Younger
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- Frans Francken the Younger
- Elegant company in an interior drinking and making music
- Pen and brown ink and wash;
bears inscription, verso: van Borch I V ed
and to the mount, verso: Frans Francx / No 1
Condition
Hinge mounted to 19th Century mount. There is an old, faint fold mark running vertically down the center of the sheet and some old repairs to the four corners. The paper has very slightly discolored and there are some small areas of staining and surface dirt. Otherwise in fine condition.
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
In its dramatic, diagonal composition, this bold, freely executed drawing can be compared with some of Frans Francken the Younger's paintings of biblical feast scenes, yet no comparable totally secular works by him are known, nor is the drawing style his. There are also certain similarities with the Haarlem tradition of merry company scenes, as epitomised by the works of Dirck Hals or Esaias van de Velde, but the compositions of those artists are generally flatter and more static than that of this original and rambunctious image. It seems likely that this large and impressive drawing was made in the orbit of Francken, around the 1620s or '30s.