Jan Josefsz. van Goyen

Purchased by the father-in-law of the present owner, circa 1965;
Thence by descent to the present owner. 

The panel is uncradled and flat, and there do not appear to be any joins. Overall the paint surface has been well retained with good preservation of detail in foreground areas, figures and architecture. The sky area is somewhat more thinly painted, as is typical, and the wood grain is apparent throughout. This is noticeable to the naked eye, but not overly distracting. Under UV light: there are small retouchings along the wood grain in sky. Another area of retouching can be seen in the sky at center and another at upper right edge. The figures and foreground look good. Offered in an elaborately carved and gilt wood frame with minor nicks.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This painting, executed in 1633, early in Van Goyen’s career, perfectly illustrates a transitional moment in the development of an artist who is accredited with being a key player in the inception of a new approach in Dutch landscape painting. Van Goyen’s strong colors and detailed designs of the 1620s were executed under the influence of his teacher Esaias van de Velde (circa 1587–1630). They are winter scenes with busy skaters, or crowds of colorful travellers in detailed landscapes. But later, during the final years of that decade, Van Goyen’s painting begins to move away from the artistic style of his youth. By the early 1630s, and the execution date of this painting, his work embodied a tonal simplicity that later gave way to the monochrome style for which Van Goyen is best known. In this painting there is still the faint pink of a setting clear sky, though the foreground is a subtle mixture of earth tones which make up the architecture, foliage, and staffage. Van Goyen was a prolific painter in his own life time; he imbued humble structures, people and places with a monumentality that pleased his patrons and ensured commercial success.