Lot description
Willem Koekkoek, Dutch 1839-1895- A Dutch street scene with figures on a bridge; oil on panel, signed 'William Koekkoek' (lower left), bears label inscribed 'small picture, William / Koekkoek given to the Revd. / John Burdon[?] by the widow of / the late Mr. Geo. Pearson of / Hudworth - about 1885' verso, 38.6 x 30.8 cm. Provenance: Given to the widow of Reverend John Burdon by the widow of the late Mr Geo. Pearson of Hudworth in c.1885. with M. 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.