Anthonie Jansz. van der Croos

Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, 8 July 2005, lot 35, where acquired by the present owner.

The ruins of Egmond Castle, known locally as 'Slot op den Hoef', were a source of inspiration for Dutch and Flemish artists: they were drawn by Roelant Roghman and Jan van Kessel, engraved by Abraham Rademaker and painted by Jacob van Ruisdael and Gerrit Adriaensz. Berckheyde, among others. The ruins depicted by Croos were the result of the devastation ordered by William I, Prince of Orange in 1573, who wanted to prevent the Spanish from capturing the strategic site. The ruins remained untouched, reminding passers by of this event, until they were sold and demolished between 1798 and 1832.

The attribution was confirmed by Dr Hans-Ulrich Beck at the time of the last sale, who pointed out that this is almost certainly the pendant to Ruins of the Abbey of Egmond at Buukerk, signed and dated 1659, in a private collection, Milan.¹ 

1. See H-U. Beck, Kunstler Jan van Goyen, Doornspijk 1991, p. 94, cat. no. 215, reproduced fig. A67.