Lot description
Willem Koekkoek, Dutch 1839-1895- Street scene in a Dutch town, with a man wheeling a barrow of hay; oil on canvas, signed 'W Koekkoek' (lower right), 55.1 x 45.5 cm. Provenance: with Martin Newman, London. The Private Collection of the Berens Family. 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. Although the majority of his 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. Similar works by the artist include his street scenes which sold at Van Ham Kunstauktionen, Cologne, on 14 November 2014, lot 533 (€21,000 hammer) and at Christie's, Amsterdam, on 25 October 2005, lot 241 (€98,400).