- 37
Willem van de Velde the Elder
Estimate
50,000 - 70,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Willem van de Velde the Elder
- Royal Yachts at Portsmouth
- Graphite and grey wash on three joined sheets;
illegibly inscribed upper left in graphite, partially transcribed by a later hand in pen and brown ink: to the King, and bears inscription in graphite, upper left: Portsmouth - 9 ½ins. by 27 ¾ins; 244mm by 777mm
Possibly one of a series of drawings made during the King's visit to Portsmouth for the launch of the Royal James in 1675.
In an album of drawings primarily by William van de Velde the Elder and the Younger
In an album of drawings primarily by William van de Velde the Elder and the Younger
Literature
M.S. Robinson, A Catalogue of Drawings in the National Maritime Museum made by the Elder and the Younger Willem van de Velde, Cambridge 1958, vol. I, p. 12
Condition
Laid down on paper. The work is made up of two joined sheets which meet vertically at the centre of the composition. There are four additional old fold lines running vertically down the width of the sheet. There are some light gray stains to the sheet and evidence of surface dirt to the four edges. The medium is fresh 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. 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
This drawing must record King Charles II's visit to Portsmouth on 2 July 1675, to inspect the newly built warship, the Royal James. Willem van de Velde the Elder accompanied the King, and another drawing from the same trip is in the Victoria & Albert Museum, London.1 Some of the most appealing of all Van de Velde's drawings are less formal works, like this, in which the depiction of nature, light and water seem to be of just as much interest to the artist as the recording of specific historical events.
1. Inv. D 1391-89