Lot 273
  • 273

Jan Abrahamsz. Beerstraaten

Estimate
2,500 - 3,500 GBP
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Description

  • Jan Abrahamsz. Beerstraaten
  • Landscape with figures by ruins
  • Black chalk and grey wash, within brown ink framing lines;
    signed with initials in black chalk, lower left: I.B.;
    bears inventory number in black chalk, versoNo-139 and attribution: Berestraten 
  • 18.4 by 27 cm.

Provenance

Dr. Walter Beck, Berlin (L.2603b)

Literature

W. Bernt, Die Niederländischen Zeichner des 17.Jahrhunderts, Munich 1957, vol. 1, no. 38, reproduced

Condition

Hinged along top to old backing. Some thin areas down left edge, especially centre and bottom. Very slight surface abrasions in same areas, and one or two tiny losses to framing lines at extreme edges. Otherwise very good condition: paper in good condition and chalk and wash very fresh and strong. Sold in a modern gilt 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."

Catalogue Note

Landscape drawings in this style have sometimes also been attributed to two other members of the Beerstraten family, Abraham and Anthonie, but this extremely rare signed work by Jan Abrahamsz. Beerstraten is an important documentary sheet that is central to identifying his distinctive style.  As such, it was included in Dr. Walther Bernt's essential compendium of typical examples of the drawings of the Dutch artists of the 17th century (see Literature).  Another drawing of a rugged coastal scene, signed with initials in the same way, was sold in 19941, and a very similarly drawn view of the Baths of Caracalla, in the British Museum2, is fully signed, J. Berestraten ad. viv. feci[t] / 1666, but otherwise securely attributable works by the artist are more or less unknown.

1. Amsterdam, Sotheby's, 15 November 1994, lot 117.

2. Inv. Gg,2.315.