Lot 1215: Jan Ekels I (Amsterdam 1724-1781)

The Singel and the Munttoren, Amsterdam, seen from the Koningsplein with signature 'J.T. Compe f' (lower right) and inscribed 'maand november' (lower right, on the sign of the pub) oil on panel 37.2 x 46.3 cm. (14 5/8 x 181/4 in.) PROVENANCE Anonymous sale; Spik, Berlin, 18 October 1973, lot 340, as Johannes Merken. With Omell Galleries, London. Anonymous sale; Christie's, London, 13 June 1974, lot 15, as 'J. Merken' (to White). Anonymous sale; P. Brandt, Amsterdam, 13 May 1975, lot 5, as Jan ten Compe (to Dreesmann). Dr Anton C.R. Dreesmann (inventory no. A-14). NOTES The artist was born in Amsterdam, where he was apprenticed to Dirck Dalens III, who also trained Jan ten Compe (for whom, see lot 1221). Just as the latter, he specialised in cityscapes, with finely rendered masonry and brickwork and elegant staffage (see also R. van Eynden and A. van der Willigen, Geschiedenis der Vaderlandsche Schilderkunst, Haarlem, 1817, II, pp. 186-7). For the view, see the note to lot 1211.