Adriaen Jansz. van Ostade

William Bates (L.2604);
Charles Gasc (L.543)

Window mounted to a modern acid free support. There is an old repaired tear that runs vertically down the left hand side of the sheet, which has been expertly repaired. There is also a slight diagonal crease that runs through the lower half of the figures legs. There is some very minor surface dirt, however the paper retains much of its vibrant blue colour and the black chalk medium remains fresh and strong throughout.
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.

Ostade made chalk figure studies like this not only in preparation for his paintings, but also for his works in other media.  Some studies he used as the basis for figures in prints, others, like this one, for the highly finished watercolors that he produced in some numbers, as finished works, in parallel to his oil paintings.  This man holding a flagon is a study for the central figure in the splendid 1673 watercolor, Peasants playing bowls in front of an Inn, in the Albertina, Vienna (fig. 1).^{1 1.} Inv. 9127; B. Schnackenburg, Adriaen van Ostade, Isack van Ostade, Zeichnungen und Aquarelle, 2 vols., Hamburg 1981, vol. I, p. 129, no. 246, reproduced vol. II, p. 116