JAN DE BEIJER | Amsterdam, the Nieuwe Kerk and the back of the Town Hall (Royal Palace) seen from the Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal

W.J.R. Dreesmann, Amsterdam;
His sale, Amsterdam, Frederik Muller, 22–25 March 1960, lot 59 (as Isaak Ouwater) for 7.200 Florins;
With Gebr. Douwes, Amsterdam, March, 1997 (as Isaak Ouwater);
From whom purchased by Baron van Dedem.
 

W.J.R. Dreesmann, Verzameling Amsterdam W.J.R. Dreesmann, vol. I, The Hague 1942, p. 11, as Isaac Ouwater;
P.C. Sutton, Dutch & Flemish Paintings, The Collection of Willem Baron van Dedem, London 2002, pp. 182–83, cat. no. 39, reproduced (as Isaak Ouwater).

The panel is cradled, flat and stable. The paint surface is clean and the varnish is clear and even. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals some small spot retouchings in the sky, and two more concentrated areas in the sky between the buildings each measuring approx. 2 x 4 cm. There are also some small spot retouchings in the lower right and upper left corners, and some fine lines of strengthening around the horse and lower parts of the of building lower right. In overall good condition. Offered in a plain stained-wood frame with a carved gilt inner 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."

This painting has traditionally been attributed to Isaak Ouwater, presumably on the basis of its spurious signature. However, as Johan Bosch van Rosenthal has perceptively observed, this painting is not only closer in style to Jan de Beijer's paintings, but also corresponds closely with a watercolour drawing by Jan de Beijer of exactly the same view (fig. 1).¹  

Jan de Beijer is best known for his numerous topographical drawings depicting sites all over The Netherlands. His paintings are many fewer but readily recognizable. Unlike his drawings, most of them are of views in Amsterdam, where he lived for several decades.  Of the group of painted Amsterdam views, three are in the Amsterdam Museum, dated 1758 to 1765. The watercolour in the Amsterdam archive has been dated to the 1750s, thus fitting well into the same group. The date on the painting may well have been altered like the signature.

Jan de Beijer’s view of the Nieuwe Kerk with the basis of the tower, the Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal (so seen from the other side), dated 1759, also with provenance W.J.R. Dreesman, was last sold, Amsterdam, Christie's, 16 April 2002, lot 1219.

1 Pen and black ink and watercolour over pencil on paper, Stadsarchief Amsterdam, inv. no. 10097/010097010055.