Cornelis Vreedenburgh

One retouch below the boat to the left. A few very minor retouches in the centre. A few very minor retouches in the boat to the right. Some retouches in the upper left corner, along the upper edge and lower right corner, all due to frame damage. Some minor craquelure. This painting is 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."

Cornelis Vreedenburg was born in 1880 in Woerden. Largely self taught, he grew accustomed with the art of painting in his father's  decorating studio. Vreedenburg was a friend of Willem Bastiaan Tholen who advised him on several occasions. The two often set out to paint the lakes of Loosdrecht and the Zuiderzee, using the boat owned by Tholen.

At the end of 1917 Vreedenburgh moved to Laren, attracted by the beautiful surroundings and the fact that it was close to Amsterdam. He was fascinated by the city with its picturesque canals, the busy harbour and its historical centre. From 1930 onwards, Vreedenburgh concentrated on painting town views, with Amsterdam as his favourite topic.

The picturesque old canals, with its moored boats and beautiful gabled mansions, proved to be very inspiring. He painted this subject in all seasons, but clearly preferred to portray the city on a sunny days, with the bright light playing through the folliage of the trees. The current lot, dated 1926, is a beautiful atmospheric impression of the river Amstel near the Magere Brug and The Royal Theatre Carré, seen on a day in early-autumn. The leaves are about to turn yellow, the air is crisp and the sun hits the side of the boats and gateways of the bridge.