Attributed to Pseudo-Aert Ortkens (active 16th Century)

In the 1976-77 catalogue this drawing was given to an anonymous master around 1525, although the author noted its similarity to the group of drawings given to Aert Ortkens (circa 1475-1540). According to Karel Boon the identification of Aert Ortkens was erroneous, and he invented the name of Pseudo-Aert Ortkens for the artist. Peter Schatborn has suggested an attribution to this artist for the present drawing on the basis of similarities with some sheets given to him. It can be compared, for example, to Saint Benedict exorcizing the Devil, P. & N. de Boer Foundation, Amsterdam (inv. B 614; S. van Ooteghem, in Goltzius to Van Gogh: Drawings and Paintings from the P. & N. de Boer Foundation, exhib. cat., Paris, Fondation Custodia, 2014-15, no. 20).