Willem van de Velde the Elder

This and the following drawing are two of a large series made by van de Velde during de Ruyter's cruise in the North Sea and over to the Norwegian coast to rescue the East Indies fleet which had taken refuge in Bergen.  The Dutch Indiamen successfully defended themselves against an English attack and then made their way out to de Ruyter's fleet. (See mentions in Robinson, ROtterdam catalogue, p. 37, and Greenwich catalogue, vol. I, p. 49) 

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. 49, under no. 117

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 is evidence of surface dirt to the four edges which also contain a number of old repaired tears. There are four areas (upper left, centre left and lower right x 2) where the sheet has been made up. There is some light brown staining to the sheet in places. The medium is still 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."

Like lot 33 above, this fine, freely executed drawing belongs to a large series made by Van de Velde during the Dutch fleet's expedition to Norway, under Admiral de Ruyter, to rescue the East Indies fleet commanded by Pieter de Bitter, which had taken refuge in Bergen during the Second Anglo-Dutch War (1665-1667).  Van de Velde accompanied the fleet all the way to Norway, and indeed, while de Ruyter's ships waited outside the fiord, the artist actually sailed on up to the town with the advance party that escorted the rescued fleet of Indiamen back to the main fleet. 

The present drawing shows the Dutch fleet slightly earlier in the course of this excursion, on 12/22 August 1665, at which time de Ruyter was gathering his forces near the Dogger Bank, before proceeding up the coast of Scotland and heading for Norway.