Kessel displayed a keen interest in topography from the outset of his career recording castles and ruins in many parts of northern and southern Holland. He painted the ruins of the Roman Catholic Chapel at Eykenduynen, which were to the south of The Hague on the road to Loosduynen, on several occasions, each time recording a different aspect (see Alice I. Davies, Jan van Kessel, 1992, pls, 16-7 and pp. 125-6).

The present lot is sold with a photocopy of a certificate from Dr. W. Bernt, dated Munich, December 2, 1975 as by Jan van Kessel.