Pieter Jansz. Coopse

Anonymous sale, Amsterdam, Christie's, 24 September 2002, lot 138.

The actual painting is slightly warmer in tone than the catalogue illustration suggests. The canvas is relined, which has flattened the paint surface somewhat. The paint surface is in stable condition, no damages are visible to the front, but retouchings are visible in the sky and in the ships. The paint surface is under a clear varnish layer. Inspection under UV-light confirms the abovementioned retouchings and reveals additional, extensive retouchings in the sky, and smaller, scattered spots in the ships. The painting seems to have been recently cleaned. Offered in a modern, ebony wood frame, in perfect condition. (JD)
"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 this composition Coopse included three landmarks of Zeeland well-known to the 17th-Century viewer: Middelburg to the left, on the far horizon in the centre the town of Vlissingen (Flushing), and to the far right we discern the characteristic silhouette of Fort Rammekens (see also the previous lot). These three places certainly evoked symbolic connotations to an audience which was involved in the activities of the V.O.C. and this group was likely to be the intended clientele for which the seascape was painted.

Besides the topographical appeal of the scenery, Coopse also succeeded in capturing the vastness of the estuaries in Zeeland in which the vigour of the elements compete with the maritime activities of the Dutch.

The composition can be compared to a signed View of Flushing, with Trafalgar Galleries, London, by 1999, and to another signed work, A view of Den Briel, sold, Amsterdam, P. Brandt, 11/14 March 1967, lot 16.