Dr. Hans-Ulrich Beck has, on the basis of a photograph, kindly confirmed the attribution of this previously unknown sheet. He points out that this is the only known drawing of this view, and dates it to circa 1633, when van Goyen dated his first known painted version of this subject (H.-U. Beck, Jan van Goyen 1596-1656, Katalog der Gemälde, II, Amsterdam, 1973, no. 342, illustrated in his supplement, III, Amsterdam, 1987, p. 182). Beck lists no less than 26 painted versions of this view by the artist, one his most celebrated and popular subjects (op.cit., 1973 and 1987, nos. 342-3, 345-50, 352-362, 365-7, 370 and 373a). The last known dated version was done in 1649. This drawing may be assumed to have served as the model for all of these views, and therefore probably remained in van Goyen's studio over the years, which would account for its condition. The view was also painted by many of van Goyen's pupils, including the version by Frans de Hulst that will be offered in these Rooms on 13 November 1995. As is illustrated by the artist's sketchbooks (including the drawings from a sketchbook dated to 1650-1 from the Goldschmidt Collection sold at Christie's, New York, 11 January 1995, lots 220-49), van Goyen made a number of journeys south-east along the rivers Rhine and Waal. Such journeys were important in suggesting new motifs, both architectural and topographical, which the flat landscape around Leiden and Amsterdam could not provide. The unusual sight of Nijmegen with its 15th Century fortress Valckhof situated high above the river Waal provided a dramatic view which obviously appealed to many collectors.