This drawing, likely dated ca. 1680–1700 , reveals two male figures in transit – rendered with confident yet sensitive lines on a fine sheet of laid paper.
When held to the light, a partially visible watermark appears: a circular motif, possibly part of a monogram or crowned emblem. The vertical chain lines and papermark structure strongly suggest Dutch origin , likely from a 17th-century paper mill operating in or near Leiden or Amsterdam .
The composition, with its calm movement, classical posture and soft drapery, evokes the stylistic language of the Rembrandt school – possibly by a follower or student within the orbit of Van den Eeckhout, Bol or De Gelder .
Research is ongoing, and I'm currently comparing it to figure studies from the Leiden circle . The quality and balance of this piece, combined with its paper characteristics, hint at a serious artistic environment – possibly academic, possibly studio-based.
