Jan Josefsz. van Goyen

As for lot 54

H.-U. Beck, Jan van Goyen 1596-1656, vol. I, Amsterdam 1972, p. 303, no. 847/136, reproduced

Framed. The sheet is foxed, there are some very small nicks to the edges of the sheet, which is also somewhat yellowed at the margins. The medium is, however, still strong.
"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."

See note for lot 54. The large wheels to the right are part of an overhaal, or overtoom, a kind of hand-operated escalator employed as a cheap alternative to a lock for raising and lowering boats between different levels of polders and waterways. In the 17th century, several such overhaals were to be found in the vicinity of Amsterdam, and the one known simply as the Overtoom still survived until as recently as 1915. The clearest depiction of such a machine in action is an etching by Reinier Nooms, called Zeeman, and Jan Lievens also made a drawing of the overhaal leading to the Sloterpolder.¹

Judging by its position within the sketchbook, this drawing must have been made in March 1651. The nearby sheets numbered 139 and 141 show locations very close to the Overtoom, as drawn by Rembrandt,² and although the three-gabled building behind was not to be found at this spot, it must have been fairly near by.

1. See Jan Lievens: A Dutch Master Rediscovered, exhibition catalogue, Washington, National Gallery of Art, Milwaukee Art Museum, and Amsterdam, Rembrandthuis, 2008-9, cat. 111 

2. See Landscapes of Rembrandt. His favourite walks, exhibition catalogue, Amsterdam, Gemeentearchief, and Paris Institut Néerlandais, 1998-9, pp. 309-13