Jan Abrahamsz. Beerstraten

The panel consists of two planks, joined horizontally and is bevelled on all sides. Tiny spots of paint loss are visible in the center and in the lower and lower right corners, and center right. There is a slight tendency towards flaking in the center right and in the sky center left. There is some thinness in the sky lower center, but otherwise paintsurface seems to be in good condition. Small retouchings are visible throughout the sky, and in the towers of the castle. There is some strenghtening in the figures in the foreground. The paintsurface is covered with a dirty and uneven layer of varnish. The painting is offered in a decorative garved and giltwood frame, with a few losses.
"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."

Plusieurs compositions similaires animées de figures presque identiques de la main de Jan Abrahamsz. Beerstraten nous sont parvenues. Notre tableau peut être rapproché d'une composition signée qui se trouvait à la galerie J.O. Leegenhoek, Paris, en 1968. Par ailleurs, une scène de tempête tout à fait comparable est conservée à l'Ancienne Pinacothèque de Munich (no. inv. 370), et une autre composition de même sujet est également passée en vente à Londres, Sotheby's, 17 décembre 1998, lot 141.