J.A. Valk – Harbour with ocean-going ship and floating grain elevators, watercolour, c. 1950–1970

J.A. Valk – Harbour with cargo ship and floating grain elevators, watercolour, 1950s–60s

A lively harbour watercolour, signed J.A. Valk. In the foreground a wooden mooring post (dolphin) and a rowing boat, behind them the black bow of a large cargo ship with a red hull below the waterline, alongside two floating grain elevators with their characteristic towers and suction pipes. In the background are harbour cranes under a cloudy sky. Floating grain elevators like these were a familiar sight in the port of Rotterdam for many years; it was painted there. The work is in a cream mount.

Why we chose this piece

It is a nice piece of Dutch port history: the bustle of transhipment on the water, painted loosely and with pleasure. The tall, almost monumental elevators next to the heavy bow of the ship give the composition its strength. An affordable original work for anyone who loves harbours and shipping.

Style and interior

This watercolour suits a maritime or industrial interior, in a study or alongside other maritime pieces. Framed with its mount, it also makes a lovely gift for someone with a connection to Rotterdam or the port.

Artist: J.A. Valk (Dutch artist, not further identified)
Technique: watercolour on paper, in a mount
Signature: lower right ‘J.A. VALK’ in black ink (photo 3)
Dimensions: to follow shortly
Period: c. 1950–1970
Origin: the Netherlands (scene Rotterdam)
Condition: good condition, without frame. The colours are bright. There are a few faint spots in the sky and the paper is slightly toned at the edges (photo 2). There is a small white scratch in the hull on the right (photo 3). No tears or folds. The mount shows light signs of use.

Price:
€ 85

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