Lot 137: Circle of Jan Pynas (Alkmaar 1581-1631 Amsterdam)

Circle of Jan Pynas (Alkmaar 1581-1631 Amsterdam) Isaiah sending David to Saul with inscriptions 'G. Castleijn' (twice, verso) black chalk, pen and brown ink, grey and red-brown wash, brown ink framing lines, fragmentary watermark, possibly Strasburg lily 5¼ x 7½ in. (13.1 x 18.7 cm.)

13.1 x 18.7 cm.

Anonymous sale [L.X. Lannoy et al.]; R.W.P. de Vries, Amsterdam, 19 May 1925, lot 141.

The notes on the present drawing in the collection files show that it had for some time been attributed to Jan Pynas (1581-1631), although it seems stylistically closest to the circle of Lastman. The early inscriptions on the verso seem to indicate that at one point it was considered to be a work by Casper Casteleyn (circa 1625-1661). However, there are no comparable works by Casteleyn and indeed the handling of the drawing suggests an earlier date.