Jan Abrahamsz. Beerstraaten

Anonymous sale, Dordrecht, A. Mak B.V., 16 June 1987, lot 15 (as Jacob Bellevois):
With Hoogsteder, The Hague, from whom acquired by the present owner in July 1987 (as Simon de Vlieger).

The following condition report is provided by Hamish Dewar who is an external specialist and not an employee of Sotheby's: The panel has been cradled. The paint surface has a slightly uneven varnish layer. The paint surface is secure. Inspection under ultra-violet light shows extensive retouchings, including three horizontal bands of retouching running across the panel, the widest of which is 3 cm. These retouchings correspond to repaired splits in the panel. There are extensive scattered lines throughout the sky with less in the foreground. Overall the painting is in fair condition. The work is framed.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

This picture was attributed to Simon de Vlieger by Laurens Bol, whose certificate, dated Dordrecht 12 October 1987, will be supplied to the buyer. More recently it was thought to be by Jacob Adriaensz. Bellevois, an attribution proposed by Jan Kelch on the basis of first-hand inspection. According to the photographic files of the RKD, The Hague, it was recognized as a work by Beerstraeten by C. J. A. Wansink, also in 1987, and indeed it is clearly signed by him.