DUTCH OR FRENCH SCHOOL, 17TH CENTURY | Men jousting on a river and pulling the goose, as onlookers admire the festivities

Laid down on an old sheet of paper and then subsequently hinge mounted to a modern mount. There is some staining to the upper right edge as well as some general discoloration to the sheet throughout. There are two old vertical fold lines to the centre of the sheet and a small tear to one of these at the upper edge. There are other minor abrasions to the extremities and general areas of wear. The combination of media remains in predominantly good condition with the image strong. 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."

This intriguing sheet, which depicts two boat crews in the foreground engaged in a joute navale whilst beyond them three men dangle precariously from a rope extended across the river, in an elaborate game of "pull the goose", is extensively indented for transfer, though a corresponding print is yet to be identified. The fanfare surrounding the aforementioned events, with drummers accompanying each jousting team, and a substantial audience of onlookers on the far bank of the river, strongly suggest that the events depicted must have been part of an elaborate festivity or celebration. Indeed "pull the goose" was a sport often associated with Shrove Tuesday celebrations in The Netherlands, though the mild weather, alluded to by the densely covered trees in the background, as well as the lightly dressed onlookers, may put paid to this theory.

It has been suggested that the present work bears a resemblance, on stylistic grounds, to that of the Frenchman, Louis Richer (fl. 1640-1670), though no compelling evidence has, thus far, been provided to further endorse this attribution.