Lot 57: JOHANNES HERMANUS KOEKKOEK | Ships on the Ij, with the Westertoren in the distance

oil on panel

75.5 by 106cm., 29¾ by 41¾in.

oil on panel

The panel is flat and even and is ensuring a stable support. There is a faint pattern of hairline craquelure visible under close inspection. Ultra-violet light reveals scattered spots of retouching, which have been carefully applied and are minor compared with the overall size of the work: notably in the sky, clustered in the sea towards the lower edge (notably in the lower-left quadrant), and in the sails of the central ship in the distance. The painting is in good overall condition, clean and ready to hang. Presented in a Dutch-style dark frame. (Since the 2008 sale (see provenance) the painting has been professionally cleaned, removing some later overpainted additions already visible in the 1973 sale catalogue, corresponding to the large Dutch flag and part of the waves in the sea, and revealing the artist's pigments beneath. This explains these discrepancies between the 2008 image and the work's present appearance - which is therefore now true to the artist's original composition).
"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."

C.W. Clark (his estate sale: Sotheby's, London, 14 November 1973, lot 193)
Private collection, Netherlands (acquired at the above sale; sale: A Romantic Affair; Paintings From a Private Dutch Collection, Christie's, London, 18 November 2008, lot 385)
Purchased at the above sale by the present owner