Isaak Ouwater

The actual painting is a little warmer in tone than the catalogue illustration suggests.The canvas has an old stable relining. No major damages are apparent.The paint layer is secure, with a lot of detail still intact, and under a slightly dirty varnish. Inspection under UV light reveals very tiny scattered retouchings in the sky, and a few in the cobble stones, and only very minimal strengthening in a few of the figures and houses.Overall, in good condition.Offered in a gilt wood frame with decorative milled fillets in good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The majority of cityscapes that Ouwater painted were of his hometown Amsterdam, of which this painting is a fine and interesting example. Both its point of view –the cityscape is painted at eye level-, and its composition are original: the Weesperpoort which was more often depicted from the other side, is here taken from the west side of the Weesperplein. Behind the houses on the left, across the Baangracht, the mill 'het Fortuyn' can be seen. Behind the house on the corner on the right hand side, the former Carpenter's Yard was located. The Weesperpoort, built in 1663 after a design by Gerrit Barentsz. van Swanenburgh, who also designed the still existing Muiderpoort, was demolished in 1857 and today its location forms a busy traffic junction between the Weesperstraat and the Sarphatistraat.

The view is remarkably accurate, to which another view by Ouwater, also signed and dated 1777, attests: this view (fig. 1) was taken from the east side, from across the Nieuwe Achtergracht, and looks towards the Weesperpoort at the Weesperplein with the mill 'de Bul' in the background. It was sold, London, Sotheby's, 3 December 1969, lot 3.

We are grateful to Drs. Laurens Schoemaker, of the R.K.D., The Hague, for his help in cataloguing this lot.