Festivities at a Court with Bull-Fights

Today, it is generally accepted that the drawings formerly attributed to the Master of the Hermitage Sketchbook were actually created by Louis De Caullery . Indeed, our very well-preserved drawing bears undeniable similarities to drawings held in various museums that were formerly attributed to “the Master” and are now attributed to De Caullery (e.g. the British Museum and the Museum Bergues). The theme is also very typical: we are witnessing a grand courtly feast in a Renaissance setting with many aristocratic characters seeking entertainment. In the background, a bullfight is taking place in the square, which could indicate a feast with Spanish rulers. In any case, the surrounding architecture is purely fictional (although De Caullery was known for combining existing buildings from Venice, Rome and Spain (cf. the Escorial)).

Pen and Brown Ink, 223 x 348 mm (0 ⁷/₈ x 1 ³/₈ inches)

Flemish School, ca 1600