Lot description
Willem Koekkoek, Dutch 1839-1895- A snow covered street scene; oil on canvas, signed 'W Koekkoek' (lower right), 70 x 60 cm. Provenance: Anon. sale, Sotheby's, London, 13 June 1976, lot 135. with MacConnal-Mason, London. The collection of Baron Stanley Kalms (1931-2025); Thence by descent. Note: Willem Koekkoek was born in 1839 in Amsterdam and was the second son of the marine artist Hermanus Koekkoek senior (1815-1882). He was chiefly praised for his elaborate Dutch town views enriched with numerous figures, and the present lot is a wonderful example of his talent and skill. This winter view of a Dutch town is a fantasy 'capriccio' view containing all the elements that made Koekkoek one of the most sought after masters of the 19th century. Although the majority of his Koekkoek's works are imaginary street scenes, he also painted views of Enkhuizen, Utrecht, Haarlem and Breda. His emphasis lies on the fine architecture and strong chiaroscuro, always striving for the most attractive and balanced composition. The town views of Cornelis Springer (1817-1891) and Adrianus Eversen (1818-1897) were a significant influence on the painter.