Willem van de Velde the Elder

Window mounted. Some minor repairs at edges and some larger repaired tears lower right. Surface a little rubbed, especially lower centre, and a little surface dirt throughout, but overall condition reasonably good. Sold in a modern gilt 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."

This large and animated depiction of the Dutch fleet at anchor, sails furled but Dutch flags proudly flying, was probably made by Willem van de Velde the Elder around 1663-64.  The now illegible inscription in the bottom centre of the sheet would probably clarify the exact time and place of the drawing's execution, but a number of other drawings of around this date are rather similarly composed and executed, with broad, atmospheric washes and touches of pen in combination with extensive use of black chalk; two good examples are to be found in the large group of drawings by the artist and his son, in the Boijmans van Beuningen Museum, Rotterdam.¹  Remmelt Daalder, of the Nederlands Scheepvaartmuseum, Amsterdam, has kindly suggested that the topography of the shoreline suggests that the location is one of the northern islands, possibly Den Helder, and that the words "thoren schuyt" in the inscription top left indicate that this was a place where a certain kind of ferry boat landed. 

This complex composition is remarkable for the sheer number and variety of vessels portrayed. The only other van de Velde drawings of this scale and quality that have appeared on the market in recent times are the series of astonishing, rediscovered drawings from the collection of John Pierpont Morgan 2nd, which were sold in 2006.²

1.  M.S. Robinson, The Willem van de Velde Drawings in the Boymans-van Beuningen Museum Rotterdam, 3 vols., Rotterdam 1979, vol. I, p. 83, no. T472, and p. 86, no. T473, reproduced, vol. III, pp. 21 and 47 respectively
2.  New York, Sotheby's, 25 January 2006, lots 7-19