Jan Josefsz. van Goyen

With W. Paech, Amsterdam, 1938;
From whom acquired by the family of the present owner circa 1942.

Detroit, The Detroit Institute of Arts, Five Centuries of Marine Painting, 6 March-5 April 1942, no. 22.

Detroit, The Detroit Institute of Arts, Five Centuries of Marine Painting, 6 March-5 April 1942, p. 12, cat. no. 22;
H.U. Beck, Jan van Goyen, 1596-1656, vol. II, Amsterdam 1973,  reproduced p.366, cat. no. 817.

This work is lighter than it appears in the catalogue photograph. The panel is very slightly bowed to the lower left and batons reinforce the vertical sides. The panel is uncradled and composed of two pieces, with the join running vertically through the right third of the picture. This join is visible on the front in the water but becomes less apparent as the eye moves up the picture to the boat and sky. There is also a waxy coating on the reverse of the panel, most evident along the bottom edge. The painting is covered in an old varnish, and under ultraviolet, there is visible repaint along the panel join in the water, which appears to diminish towards the middle and top. There is also a concentrated area of retouch along the right edge at the horizon line, which could address old frame abrasion. There are scattered retouchings in the water and a few isolated spots in the boat to the right. The two vertical lines in the sail of the boat to the left reveal themselves to be old retouches under the UV. There are a few minor retouches to the left and right in the sky, while the center of the sky appears to have been more broadly retouched, especially in the area surrounding the two sailboats. Although stable, this painting would benefit from a cleaning during which the old restorations in the sky could be removed and thoughtfully readdressed. In a carved and gilt frame with small nicks and losses throughout.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.