Attributed to Abraham Casembrot

Zaccaria Sagredo (1653-1729), with his number '127';
Colonel Count E.R. Lamponi-Leopardi, Florence (L.1760);
Luigi Grassi (L.1171b);
Purchased from Crook in 1925

Laid down. Top left corner and part of upper margin missing and made up with backing sheet. Some light brown staining around the edges and some very light scattered foxing in the upper right section of the sheet. Overall in good condition - medium is strong and vibrant.
"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."

This lively pen and ink and wash drawing depicts the galley boat and the two subsidiary boats that appear in the central section of Abraham Casembrot's print A galley before the fort, plate 11 of his series of Views of the Harbour of Messina (13 plates).¹

Casembrot was born in the Netherlands but worked in Messina from circa 1650-1675.

1. F.W.H. Hollstein, Dutch and Flemish Etchings, Engravings and Woodcuts ca. 1450-1700, vol. IV (Brun-Coques), Amsterdam 1951, p. 94, no. 11