In the collection of the present owner's family probably since at least the 1960s.

The panel is flat and uncradled. The varnish layer is now slightly dulled. The paint surface is in reasonably good overall condition, but has suffered from wear in some parts of the sky. Inspection under ultraviolet light shows a series of old repaired losses along the central panel join, the largest c. 5 cm. in length. The painting has been subject to quite extensive and very meticulous restoration, particularly in the sky where there has been a lot of very careful touching out of wear across the wood grain; this is especially concentrated in the upper right and lower left quarters of the sky. The waves, boats and landscape elements are best preserved, but here again there has been careful touching out to the shadows in the waves. The restoration was well carried out, but has now discoloured from age and is visible in some areas. Offered with a later French style gilt wood frame, in reasonable condition with numerous minor chips.
"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."

This is one of a number of similar marines that Van Goyen painted at the end of the 1630s and into the early 1640s. His subjects are not set in the open sea, but depict fishing pinks and small merchant vessels in the choppy waters of the Zuider Zee, or the sheltered estuaries of Zeeland.

A smaller, slightly earlier version (36 x 49 cm.), signed and dated 1639, was sold in these rooms on 9 July 2008, lot 48.¹ The placement of the sailing boat differs in the two♔ pictures: in the earlier version the boat is𒉰 toward the left of the composition and the placement of the smaller vessels differs also.

1. H.-U. Beck, Jan van Goyen 1596–1656, Amsterdam 1973, vol. II, Katalog der Gemälde, p. 356, cat. no. 795, reproduced.