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The Bicknell Collection "The London Review" May 2, 1863 "The Antwerp," with Van Goyen, the Dutch sea painter, supposed to be looking out for a subject in the fishing boat tossing about nearest to the shore, is remarkable for fine lighting of the picture. The light beamed out of the squally sky, and falls upon the cathedral and churches of Antwerp, making them shine as if built of pearls. The freedom and mastery in the painting of the sea, and the buoyancy of the fine frigate and other vessels, give extraordinary life and movement to the scene. This, like most of the others, was purchased of Turner by Mr Bicknell. It was in size 35 by 48 Inches painted and exhibited in 1833. The first bid for this was 1.000 guineas, and the next as many more, and it was eventually knocked down to Mr Agnew for £2635.10.

"The Graham Collection"

Next in interest was the Turner seapiece "Antwerp," "Van Goyen going about to choose a subject, 35 in by 47 in, a lovely picture, full of life and light, over sea and sky pure and fresh as the day it was painted, more than half a century ago for it was exhibited in 1833. When it came upon the easel, a burst of applause welcomed it, and the biddings were started at 1,500 guineas, next 3,000, then 4,500, and quickly on by 500 guineas to 6,000 guineas, then Mr Agnew bid 6,500 guineas, and was the purchaser. A gentleman in the audience who was we are told, the grandson of Mr Bicknell, addressed the auctioneers saying that the picture was bought of Turner by Mr Bicknell for £300. It was sold for £2,635.100 in the Bicknell collection in 1863, together with nine other Turners bringing £17,366.100