Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, 8 December 1995, lot 15;
Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, 9 December 2005, lot 173, for £48,000.

The canvas has a loose relining. The paint surface is secure and nicely preserved. Retouching work is visible throughout the sky and scattered elsewhere to the naked eye and these are confirmed under UV light. Offered in a stained wooden frame with gilt mouldings in good condition.
"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."

The Heiligewegspoort, now destroyed, was situated on the southern edge of the old city wall at the end of the Heilige Weg (so named because it was originally the point of departure from the city for the Holy Land), on what is now the corner of Leidsegracht and the Herengracht. It was constructed in 1636 by Jacob van Campen (1595-1657).  To the left is the Heiligewegsburgwal.  Beerstraten may have based the left hand half of this painting on a drawing, signed and dated 1662, showing the Heiligewegsepoort from almost exactly the same angle, with the windmill and buildings to its left, in the Van Eeghen collection in the Gemeentearchief, Amsterdam.

1.  See B. Bakker, E. Fleurbaay, A.W. Gerlagh, De verzameling Van Eeghen, Zwolle 1988, pp. 72-3, no. 17, reproduced.