Jan Josefsz. van Goyen Leiden 1596 - 1656 The Hague

Sale, The Hague, 20 April 1972, lot 71, reproduced;
George and Maida Abrams, Boston, Massachusetts;
with Gebr. Douwes, Amsterdam, exhibited 1981

H.-U. Beck, Jan van Goyen 1596-1665, vol. III, Doornspijk 1987, p. 46, cat. no. 107A

Slightly thin at bottom edge and sides. Paper a touch dirty, but overall condition of chalk very good and fresh.
"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 setting for this animated scene is probably the beach at Scheveningen, which provided the backdrop for a rather similar painting by Van Goyen, dated 1632 (Leipzig, Museum der bildenden Künste¹).

1. H.-U. Beck, Jan van Goyen 1596-1665, vol II, Amsterdam 1973, p. 415, cat. 923