Black chalk, pen and brown ink, brown wash, squared for transfer in black chalk, watermark kneeling saint in a shield [see attached image]

255 x 205 mm. (10 x 8 1/8 in.)

SOLD TO A PRIVATE COLLECTOR

Our drawing was in the collection of Richard Holtkott an industrialist from Bedburg who collected prints and drawings. After he died his collection was dispersed among the heirs and a lot of works were sold. A part of his collection went to his grandson Richard Holtkott junior who continued the collection. There are two collectors' marks one initial H and one Holtkott both in bright blue, the mark on our drawing is the former. I would like to thank Rhea Blok from the Fondation Custodia for this information. 1

A number of scholars have looked at this drawing and have placed it in in the circle of Johann Rottenhammer (1564-1625) or another artist working in this area. Indeed Joachim Jacoby has suggested from a photograph the figure styles seems somewhat close to Rottenhammer, a similar drawing style you will find in sheets by. e.g. Hans Freyberger.2

1.Written communication, 11 February 2011.

2.Written communication 15 July 2007. Heinrich Geissler, Zeichnung in Deutschland, deutsche Zeichner, 1540-1640, exhibition catalogue, 2 vols., Stuttgart, 1979-1980, I, nos F 21-22, p.253-4.