Growing up in The Hague, Klinkenberg had started with his lessons at the age of fourteen. It was mostly his tutor’s, Christoffel Bisschop (1828-1904), influence that resulted in the infusion of Klinkenbergs work with it's well known play of light. These sunlit effects, also clearly visible in the present lot, are the result of his attractive and bright palette. From 1876 onwards Klinkenberg specialized in town views and concentrated on a well-balanced composition. This was often achieved by the right point of view from which to render a specific group of building. His œuvre shows an evident preference for the historical architecture of the Netherlands especially with rich waterways, canals or waterfronts, in particular cities such as Amsterdam. The compositional art of the capriccio or fantasy city view was sometimes used but often he embellished slightly but never strayed far from the truth. Klinkenberg was fascinated by the city of Amsterdam and the diverse architecture of the city enthralled him. Klinkenberg was so enraptured by the city that he moved there in 1887 to stay for 6 years. His star rose quickly and Klinkenberg had numerous successes at the Exhibitions for Levende Meesters and sold works to the Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum in Rotterdam and the Museum voor Hedendaagse Kunst (now the Stedelijk Museum) in Amsterdam.

Klinkenberg's towns are often seen from the water, a viewpoint he obviously favoured. What sets Klinkenberg apart from his contemporaries of the Hague School is the remarkable use of colour in his townscapes. Whereas works of other artists are often defined by tonality, Klinkenberg's œuvre is rather French-oriented with bright, saturated colours. The present lot can be seen as one of his most monumental works, both in size and subject. The quay is bustling with activity. The Schreierstoren, a tower linked with Amsterdam and its women who had traditionally said goodbye to their men as they sailed for the Orient there, is placed to the left of the composition. Majestically towering over all buildings is the St Nicolaas church. Through the slight glimmer on the water and the light on the gables of the buildings