JAN CLAESZ. RIETSCHOOF (Hoorn 1651–1719 Hoorn)

A Dutch merchantman and a spritsail barge in a breeze

oil on panel
13 ½ x 18 inches (34.5 x 46 cm.)

Provenance:
Anonymous sale, P. Brandt, Amsterdam, May 15, 1979 lot 55
Private collection, E. Sussex, from whence
Purchased, 1993

Sabine Giepmans of the Rijksbureau voor Kunsthistorische Documentatie has viewed this painting via transparency and confirms it to be by Jan Claesz. Rietschoof.

Jan Claesz. Rietschoof a Dutch sea-painter and draftsman, was a pupil of Ludolph Backhuysen.  Much of his work is reminiscent of Backhuysen, the boats and the bright and dark stretches of water, reflecting a sky with lively clouds effect, are well composed and the atmosphere is especially well rendered.  His son and pupil Hendrik Rietschoof was also a sea-painter.