With Thomas Agnew & Sons, London.

The panel is flat and appears to have another thin panel applied to its reverse, about 1cm. smaller on all sides than the actual support. The paint surface is clean and the varnish is clear and even. The colours are bright and luminous. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals an uneven line of retouching which runs almost the whole width of the panel, approx. 1 cm. from the upper margin. The rest of the painting is almost entirely untouched, with very few, small scattered retouchings. In overall very 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 attribution to Hans Goderis has been proposed on the basis of photographs by Dr. Frits Duparc, to whom we are grateful. Dr. Duparc notes similarities with a signed marine scene by Goderis in the Groninger Museum, Groningen (inv. no. 1959-130) which repeats very closely the anchored wijdschip with its sails lowered and its crew's washing strung up in the rigging to dry.