Willem van de Velde the Younger

James Fenton, Norton Hall, Gloustershire (according to an old label on the reverse);

Probably his sale, London, Christie's, 27 February 1880, lot 229 for £6.4.0 (as A Calm -  W. van de Velde);

Max Koetser;

Rupert Preston Gallery, acquired from the above in May 1966;

Acquired from the above by R.J. Rowley, Guildford;

Anonymous sale, London, Bonhams, 5 December 2012, lot 29.

M.S. Robinson, The Paintings of the Willem van de Veldes, London 1990, vol. I, p. 395-6, cat. no. 573, reproduced p. 395, fig. 573.

This lot is slightly lighter in the clouds, and less red in tone in the lower part, than the catalogue illustration suggests. The panel is slightly bevelled on all four edges and shows no sign of tension or movement. Inspection under Ultraviolet light reveals two campaigns of restoration. Retouching in the sky is concentrated to three main areas, with tiny flecks elsewhere. Beautiful details are still apparent: the two figures on the pier on the right, and another pair rowing the boat on the left. Their activity and mood are wonderfully expressed using only a few delicate brushstrokes, all preserved. There is more recent restoration to the upper right and left corners, likely due to an old frame damage. Some minor frame rubbing along the lower edge, all of which have been repaired. This lot is sold in a moulded and gilded decorative frame with a few old wood worm holes and a couple of small knowcks, it could do with a quick clean but the piece is otherwise very ready for display.
"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."

Robinson (see Literature) knew this painting only from a photograph, and was therefore unaware of the genuine signature that has since come to light. His assertion that this might be an early work by Van de Velde, painted around 1665, seems entirely tenable, and is supported by a recent dendrochronological report on the panel by Dr. Peter Klein, which suggests a probable use of the panel from around 1656 onwards. No other version of the composition appears to be known, and the marked influence of Simon de Vlieger lends further support to an early date, perhaps even before 1660. A comparable scene, with a jetty silhouetted against the sea and Dutch smalschips in the middle distance beyond was sold Cologne, Lempertz, 23 June 1988, lot 146, and another calm of similar date around 1660 is in the National Gallery, London.¹

A dendrochronological report by Dr Peter Klein of the University of Hamburg dated January 2013 is available on request.

1. Robinson, op.cit., vol. I, pp. 395, 484-5, nos. 572 and 201, reproduced.