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Artist or Maker: ABRAHAM STORCK Amsterdam 1644 - 1708
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Dimensions: 18 1/2 by 24 7/8 in.; 47 by 63 cm.
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Provenance: With J. Leger & Son, London, 1955;
Anonymous sale ("The Property of a Gentleman of Title"), London, Sotheby's, December 7, 1994, lot 4, to Marommatis;
Dimitri Mavrommatis, London;
By whom sold ("Property from the London Residence of Dimitri Mavrommatis"), London, Sotheby's, December 5, 2007, lot 45, there purchased by the present collector.
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Exhibited: London, J. Leger & Son, 1955, no. 9.
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Notes:
Although Storck is not thought to have actually visited Italy, scenes such as this evoke the atmosphere of the Mediterranean port, with bustling merchants bathed in warm afternoon light. A steady trade had emerged between the northern countries and Italy during the 17 (th) century and indeed many of Storck's peers, such as Jan Asselijn and Jan Weenix, visited Italy and brought their experiences back to The Netherlands in the form of their paintings.
Storck's harbor scenes are never topographical representations of a particular place, but rather theatrical stage sets, with imaginary buildings forming the backdrop to a hive of activity, and those in this painting are no exception. While he is perhaps best known for his depictions of yachts and naval vessels fighting against a stiff breeze on the Amstel River, Storck's imagined harbor scenes can be considered precursors of the great Italian capricci of the 18 (th) century.
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