Jan Josefsz. van Goyen

Fixed to mount with brown paper hinge along top edge. Remains of old backing/mounting stuck to reverse in both right corners. Thin in lower left corner. Lightly foxed throughout, but chalk good and strong. Sold in a black wood and gilt frame.
"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."

Tout au long de sa vie, Van Goyen exécuta de rapides et spontanés dessins comme celui-ci, et notamment lorsqu'il voyageait à travers son Hollande natale et au-delà ; conservant ainsi des motifs qu'il utilisera plus tard en atelier pour des peintures ou des dessins plus aboutis et destinés à la vente.
Cette manière d'appuyer sur son crayon dans ce dessin tend à prouver qu'il s'agirait d'une oeuvre de jeunesse. Un certain nombre de feuilles, provenant probablement d'un ou plusieurs carnets de dessins, sont en effet de tailles similaires à celle-ci, et en particulier, celles des années 1626-30, auparavant dans le carnet appelé par Beck, le «'Catchmade Morgan sketchbook'»¹.

1- U. Beck, Jan van Goyen, vol. III, supplement, Doornspijk 1997, pp. 118-122; C.P. van Eeghen, «Jan van Goyen's Early Chalk Landscapes from Two Albums», Master Drawings, vol. XXXV, no. 2. 1997, pp. 155-18