ABRAHAM BLOEMAERT | An Anchorite, sitting and reading in the entrance of his Hut

Sale, London, Christie's, 17 November 1973, lot 322;
sale, Amsterdam, Christie's, 15 November 1993, lot 10;
sale, Amsterdam, Christie's, 13 November 1995, lot 61,
where purchased by the late owner

J. Bolten, Abraham Bloemaert c.1565-1651, The Drawings, 2 Vols, Leiden 2007, vol. I, p. 168, no. 473, reproduced vol. II, p. 215, fig. 473

Window mounted. Whites oxidised in places. Some foxing throughout and a little light staining. Slightly thin spots in all four corners and half was down both sides. Ink and wash generally good. Sold in a modern 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."

This drawing belongs to a series of similar compositions, which Bloemaert made as the designs for a large and apparently never completed set of prints known as the 'Second Series of Hermits' or Thebais sacra, designed by Bloemaert around 1620-30, and engraved some years later by his son, Frederick.  No print based on the present drawing is known.  Another sheet from the same series was sold, London, Sotheby's, 5 July 2017, lot 10.