JAN JOSEFSZ. VAN GOYEN (LEIDEN 1596-1656 THE HAGUE)

This composition of a derelict building and six-sided tower before a crumbling wall along a river appears to have been a favored motif for van Goyen in the early 1640s. Another version of this composition, dating to a year earlier and with changes to the figures, boats and tower in the left background is known (sold Christie’s, Amsterdam, 2 December 1987, lot 301; see Beck, op. cit., II, p. 231, no. 739). A third variant, also apparently dated 1642 but with further changes to the architecture, was last recorded on the Swiss art market in 1986 (see Beck, op. cit., II, p. 335, no. 743; III, p. 231, no. 743).