- 42
Willem van de Velde the Elder
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- Willem van de Velde the Elder
- A Dutch fleet at anchor off a beach
- Graphite and grey wash on two joined sheets;
bears inscriptions in pen and brown ink, lower left: W.V.VJ and lower right: Vanderv.... - 8 ¾ins. by 22 ½ins; 222mm by 576mm
Michael Robinson suggested that despite the inscription this is probably a drawing of the 1650s, by the Elder.
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
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 three additional old fold lines running vertically down the width of the sheet. There is evidence of some discoloration to the left and right edges and areas of light surface dirt. 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
Despite the initials with which the drawing is inscribed to the lower left, the late Michael Robinson attributed this drawing to Willem van de Velde the Elder, dating it to the 1650s. The large ship towards the right would appear to be the Maan (Moon), a 40-gun warship built in 1643 and last mentioned in 1656. An offset of a portrait of the Maan is in Rotterdam.1 Although the present drawing does not depict an identified historical event, it is a highly atmospheric work, reflecting all the mature confidence of Van de Velde's drawings of this period.
1. Inv. M B 1866/T221; M.S. Robinson, The Willem van de Velde Drawings in the Boymans-van Beuningen Museum Rotterdam, 3 vols., Rotterdam 1979, vol. I, p. 100, reproduced vol. III, pl. 140