Lot 1211: Isaak Ouwater (Amsterdam 1748-1793)

The Singel, Amsterdam, with the Munttoren signed and dated 'I k:Ouwater Fecit 177.' (lower right) oil on canvas 38.1 x 46.2 cm. (15 x 181/4 in.). PROVENANCE Anonymous sale; Christie's, London, 13 April 1984, lot 88, as dated 1777. With Des Lyons-Coulemonde-Samson, Paris, 1988, as dated 1777. Anonymous sale; Ader Picard Tajan, Paris, 25 June 1991, lot 24, as dated 1777 (to Dreesmann). Dr Anton C.R. Dreesmann (inventory no. A-80). NOTES Dating to circa 1490, the Munttoren was originally built as the western tower of the Regulierspoort. Heavily damaged after a fire in 1618, the upper part was rebuilt to a design by Hendrick de Keyser. When, in 1672, the city of Amsterdam was given the right to strike its own coinage, the actual coins were struck in the guardhouse next to the tower, that thereby became known by its current name, which means 'Mint Tower'. The original storm-indicator was a gilt ox, so designed because the Regulierpoort used to be the gate through which cattle were driven towards the Ossenmarkt in the Kalverstraat. During a huge storm in 1640, the ox was blown into the Singel and replaced by the cockerel visible in the present lot (see J.H. Kruizinga and J.A. Banning, Amsterdam van A tot Z, Amsterdam, 1966, p. 323). For the artist, see the note to lot 1225.