Riverscape.

Pen and brown ink, 16,2 x 26,2 cm, vellum, signed in black ink by later hand "CSL", ms. note on verso "Projet de tapisserie de Saftleven pour l'antichambre du Chateau de Monsieur à Saint-Cloud".

Excellent condition. Mounted on passe-partout at corners. Framed (studied outside frame).

Refined pen drawing on vellum. Wide riverscape with a bridge, a building with a tower, and hills in an ornamental frame. Near the river a few figures fishing and a few travelers. According to the ms. note on the verso, the drawing is related to a tapestry project of Saftleven for the castle of "Monsieur" (i.e. Philippe I, Duke of Orléans (1640-1701)) in Saint-Cloud. While the Saftleven family produced similar compositions, the technique and style suggest this drawing was done by a different, skillful hand. The Dutch or Flemish artist probably travelled to Italy and was familiar with printmaking. He was possibly working in the circle of Paul Bril (c. 1553-1626).
Prov. [Christiaan van Dongen]. - Illeg. stamp.