Willem van de Velde the Younger

Vertical crease down the centre, and another towards the right edge. Both sides made up with strips of paper, the right hand edge somewhat more damaged. Small holes repaired at left edge by window on stern.
"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."

This drawing resembles closely one in the collection of the Boymans-van Beuningen Museum of the English ship James Galley, and is probably the same vessel.¹  A Fourth Rate, built in 1676, with thirty guns, it was wrecked in 1694.  A drawing at Greenwich may also be of the James Galley, seen from a slightly different angle.²

1. The Willem van de Velde Drawings in the Boymans-van Beuningen Museum, Rotterdam 1979, vol. I, p. 116, no. T345; reproduced vol. III, pl. 203

2. M. S. Robinson, Van de Velde Drawings...in the National Maritime Museum, Cambridge 1958, vol. 1, p. 165; reproduced vol. 2, pl. 127