Egbert Lievensz. van der Poel

Hamburger Kunsthalle (L.1328);
sale, Amsterdam, Sotheby Mak van Waay, 15 November 1983, lot 220, purchased by the present owner

Window mounted with Japan paper. Drawing has been folded horizontally across centre, and vertically towards left side. Some surface rubbing on latter fold. Light brown, arch-shaped stain, centre right. Repairs in both upper corners. A few other minor light stains, but otherwise 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."

Stylistically, the drawing on the recto is very close to the small handful of known works by Van der Poel, such as the example sold earlier this year¹, and the subject of nocturnal conflagration is also one that he favoured.  These subjects are usually catastrophic rather than festive in nature, although there is a 1654 painting by the artist showing rather similar festivities and fireworks in front of the Gemeenlandshuis in Delft.²  The location of this scene of celebration is, however, uncertain.  The intriguing and much more topographical study on the verso, on the other hand, seems to depict Greenwich, with the Queen's House, designed by Inigo Jones and completed in 1635, to the left. We are very grateful to Dr. Pat Hardy of the Museum of London for identifying the view. Whether or not the artist ever saw the buildings themselves remains, though, uncertain.

The illustrious history of the Dutch drawings collection of the Hamburger Kunsthalle has recently been described by Annemarie Stefes.³

1. New York, Sotheby's, 25 January 2012, lot 172

2. Bonn, Rheinisches Landesmuseum, Inv. Nr. 38.2; F. Goldkuhle et al., Rheinisches Landesmuseum Bonn, Gemälde bis 1900, Cologne 1982, pp. 412-3 

3. A. Stefes, Niederländische Zeichnungen 1450-1850. Kupferstichkabinett der Hamburger Kunsthalle, 3 vols., Cologne/Weimar/Vienna 2011, pp. 1-10