Lot Essay
De Grave probably made this drawing when he and Valentijn Klotz accompanied the army of Stadholder-King Willem III of Orange to the Southern Netherlands in the war against the French. The inscription on the reverse would seem to record a contemporary source which would, as noted in the Amsterdam catalogue, correspond with drawings of the encampment of the army near Brussels, dated 21 May 1674 and 15 May 1674 (V. Hasselt, op.cit., nos. 415-6) and 2 July 1674 (Sotheby's, London, 7 July 1966, lot 89).
The most distinct towers in this drawing are those of the St. Goedele church to the left, the townhall and the church of St. Nicolas at the right, and that of the St. Geuricx at the extreme right. A drawing with a view of Mons, similar in size and technique is in the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C. (inv.no. B-25,828)
The most distinct towers in this drawing are those of the St. Goedele church to the left, the townhall and the church of St. Nicolas at the right, and that of the St. Geuricx at the extreme right. A drawing with a view of Mons, similar in size and technique is in the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C. (inv.no. B-25,828)