An important aspect of this work is in its example of van Beest’s classic luminism. Created prior to his immigration to America, it shows the technique that would influence some of the greatest emerging American luminists such as Fitz Hugh Lane and William Bradford.

The composition is a fine depiction of a working Dutch harbor front bustling with activity beneath a dramatically glowing sky. The profusion of shipping off the wharves shows a myriad of vessel types and harbor commerce. Note the small lighters working as both ferries and harbor freighters among the anchored merchant ships of both sail and steam pedigrees.

The artist’s admirable choice of viewpoint, his disposition of the ships across the water and his handling of color and brush strokes to transcribe and express the optical effects of sunlight and atmosphere are exceptional here. A product of classical Dutch training, one of van Beest’s major strengths was the freshness and accuracy his approach brought to traditional marine painting.