The rendering and loose handling of the black chalk in this charming study of a moored rowing boat with fish basket strongly recalls the style of Thomas Wyck (1616-1677). Especially when comparing the artist's use of exceptionally dense grey wash found in several autograph drawings by the artist in Amsterdam, which is present in the bow of our rowing boat as well.[1][2]
The choice of subject and probably Italian origin of this small boat well matches the time and travels of Wijck and his whereabouts. Though after closely comparing our drawing with authorship confirmed sheets by Wyck, the authorship remains questionable and uncertain.[3]
[1] Thomas Wijck, An interior.
Black chalk, brush and grey ink, grey wash, 151 x 198 mm.
Rijksprentenkabinet, Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, inv. no. RP-T-1884-A-380(R)
[2] Thomas Wijck, A weaver at work.
Black chalk, brush and grey ink, gewy wash, 199 x 212 mm.
Rijksprentenkabinet, Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, inv. no. RP-T-1902-A-4652(R)
[3] Maud van Suylen, 'Drawings of interiors by Thomas Wijck',
Master Drawings 58/2 (2020), p. 195-206
