Ludolf Bakhuizen

Freiherr C.F.L.F. von Romohr, possibly his sale, Dresden, R.J. Köhler, 19-29 October 1846, lot 3563 (according to inscription verso, apparently as Willem van de Velde);
John Thane (L.1544, recto);
J.D. Böhm (L.271 and L.1442);
sale, Amsterdam, Sotheby's, 21 November 1989, lot 84;
sale, Amsterdam, Sotheby's, 11 November 1997, lot 137

Window mounted. Thin spots, centre right edge and top left corner. Light brown stain towards top right. Otherwise very good and fresh. Sold in a Dutch black wood frame.
"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."

Bakhuizen made a number of drawings and paintings relating to William III's return to Holland from England in January 1691.  The King's journey was complicated by the extreme winter weather; the journey took five days, and after landing first at Goeree, then spending 18 hours in a rowing boat, William finally arrived at the Oranjepolder on 31 January, to be met by a sizeable welcoming committee.  He then continued to the Palace of Honselaarsdijk by coach.

Although there is no sign of the King himself in this drawing, there is quite a company on the shore, as well as a rather grand coach, so the identification of the scene seems extremely plausible.  A technically very similar drawing, in the Atlas van Stolk, Rotterdam, shows a slightly later moment, once the King is actually ashore.¹  Both drawings would have been made from life, and intended to serve as the basis for the much grander and more formal - and also less historically faithful - paintings that the artist made depicting the King's arrival, two of which now hang at Het Loo and one in the Mauritshuis.

We are extremely grateful to Dr. Gerlinde de Beer for confirming that this drawing may indeed depict the arrival of William III, and for providing much of the above information.

1.  See Backhuysen aan het roer!, exh.cat., Amsterdam, Koninklijk Paleis, 2004, cat. 32