Dutch School, 17th century

Arthur Feldmann, Brno;
looted by the Gestapo in 1939;
sale, London, Sotheby's, 16 October 1946, in lot 61 (as Cornelis Visscher);
sale, London, Sotheby's, 7 July 2011, lot 71 (as Attributed to Cornelis Visscher)

Overall condition very good. Window mounted on thick Japan paper. One or two very minor surface marks, and one or two very slight losses of pigment in black background, but no other visible problems. Sold unframed.
"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."

Although this charming and highly refined drawing was long attributed to Cornelis Visscher, he typically drew in black chalk, rather than brush and black ink wash.  No convincing alternative attribution has so far been proposed. 

Following the 2011 sale, this drawing was claimed by the heirs of Arthur Feldmann, but an agreement was subsequently reached between them, the purchaser in 2011, and Sotheby's, as a result of which the claim has now been permanently withdrawn.  For further information on the history of the Feldmann Collection, see the introduction before lot 11 in the catalogue of the 6 July 2005 Old Master Drawings sale at Sotheby's, London, when a substantial group of restituted drawings from the collection was offered for sale.