Willem Koekkoek

Private Collection, Australia

Original canvas. No retouches visible under U.V. light. This work is in excellent condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Willem Koekkoek was the pupil of his father, the famous marine painter Hermanus Koekkoek Sr. (1815-1882). Willem Koekkoek grew up in Amsterdam and soon became one of the most distinguished painters of townscapes travelling throughout The Netherlands, working in The Hague (before 1878), Utrecht (1878-1880), Amsterdam (1880-1885) and Nieuwer Amstel (1885-1888). In 1888 Willem moved to London, where he stayed with his brother Hermanus Jr., who had begun a successful career as an art dealer. No wonder many of Willem Koekkoek's townscapes are in British collections, as his paintings were greatly admired for the nostalgic mood they convey and his uniquely refined and detailed style of painting.

The present lot is an impressive example, not only because of its size, but also because of the ability to capture Holland's Age of Romanticism.