A shipyard

This small painting (30 x 39,2 cm) shows a shipyard where a seagoing ship is under construction - possibly a short sea boyer. A few dozen workmen are busy with the hull of the ship, the top of the frame is still visible. The ship is supported by so-called jacks and the bow lies facing the water, which should be on the right side of the painting but is barely visible. A small tree has been hung on the ship's transom, probably as a sign that the highest point of the hull has been reached. There are two buildings on the yard, including a shed and a large grindstone.
Ten people are working in the field. In front of the shed, two men saw a longitudinal beam with a tw-handed saw. One of the men is standing on a beam, the other on the ground. A woman walks in the field with a basket on her back, probably for clearing wood chips. In the background two men can be seen as 'chip collectors'. One of them is bent over a chip basket, the other holds a chip hook that collects the wood residues on the yard. Two men are chopping wood with an axe; the axe was one of the craftsman's personal tools. Others carry a beam; someone is resting on the right. On the right front you can see a capstan on a surface, next to it a trestle and several barrels. The capstan also belongs to the equipment of the yard. An anchor is on the ground in the center front. It may be intended for the ship.
In addition to the workmen, some richly dressed people can be seen in the painting, possibly the yard or ship owners and supervisors. In the foreground to the right, a well-dressed man is measuring a piece of wood. He holds a measuring stick in his hand: he may be the shipbuilder. The man and boy in the left foreground draw attention - they are approached by a beggar for alms. Right behind them (far left in the painting) a high wall rises with a large bird cage or dovecote on top.