Willem van Diest

In the possession of the present owners' family for several generations, where assumed to be by Willem van de Velde.

The picture is warmer in tone and luminous in colour than the catalogue illustration suggests. The canvas has been relined. And as a result the paint is very slightly flattened in places. However the paint surface appears to be in very good overall condition and there is a spidery craqueleur overall. There is no apparents damage of loss of paint visible to the naked eye, except for a small spot of discolouration in the centre of the sky directly above the beams of sunlight. Inspection under Ultraviolet light reveals a small L-shaped tear in the central ship, measuring approximately 4 inches. Otherwise the canvas apperas to be structurally sound, however there is cosmetic filling to the aforementioned craqueleur and there is minor cosmetic retouching throughout the sky. Offered in a gilt wood and plaster frame, with minor losses.
"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."

We are grateful to Dr. Gelinde de Beer for confirming the attribution on the basis of photographs and for suggesting a date of the late 1640's or early 1650's.