Jacob Adriaensz. Bellevois Rotterdam 1621 - 1676

The painting is less red and less contrasted in tone than it appears in the catalogue illustration. The panel support has been planed down and cradled on the reverse. The panel is made up of four horizontal planks: the two upper joins are visible and have been rather crudely restored. The painting is not dirty and the varnish uneven, but retouchings have discoloured and are visible to the naked eye. The paint surface is rather worn throughout and the wood grain is showing in some of the lighter areas as well as on the boats and water in the foreground (where the reddish ground is also partially visible). Inspection under ultra-violet light reveals strengthening to figures and boats (including the secondary boat centre right); some retouched losses in the lower right corner; and an area of restoration above the fishing-boat lower right (2 by 8 cm.) and another immediately to the right of it (2 cm.). Restoration along and around the panel joins is crude and visible to the naked eye, as is a strip of repaint along the upper edge. The overall appearance of wear may be due to overcleaning in the past. The modern gilt wood and plaster rococo-style frame has some cracks and broken pieces (reattached) as well as losses (e.g. in the lower left corner) but is structurally sound.
"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 city depicted in the distance is Amsterdam; to the right can be seen the Westertoren and, moving left, the Oude Kerk and Zuidertoren.