Dutch artist Alexander Joseph Daiwaille is predominantly known for epic vistas in the romantic taste but also produced city views and portraits. Born in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, he studied with his father, Jean Augustin Daiwaille (1786-1850), who was a director at the Amsterdam Academy.

During his formative years, Daiwaille had an abundance of inspiration at his fingertips. His father’s senior role at the Academy would’ve furnished him with various examples of works by the old Dutch masters and, undoubtedly, he spent many of his formative years studying them intently.

But also, during the early part of the 19th century, we see the emergence of Romanticism - a glorification of the picturesque, pastoral and sublime, which also took hold of the young man. These two forces, plus the direct instructions from his father, underpinned his artistic tendencies throughout his distinguished career.

Here, in a landscape from 1845, we see the convergence of styles. Rugged Dutch and Flemish naturalism combined with the romantic. The sublimity of an ancient tangled tree appears almost human as it towers over the villagers.

Alexander Joseph Daiwaille, Snowy Landscape. Several Figures And Houses In A Winter Landscape (1845) (Rijksmuseum)

While this exquisite heroic view elevates the grandiosity of the Rhine Valley.

Alexander Joseph Daiwaille, A Rheinish Landscape With A Ruin (1847)

After an extensive period of travel between The Netherlands and Germany, where he worked closely with his brother-in-law, Barend Cornelis Koekkoek (1803-1862), he settled in Brussels, Belgium. His works bear a close resemblance to those of Koekkoek and the two probably exhibited together.

Alexander Joseph Daiwaille is represented in numerous public collections including the Cleveland Museum of Art, Rijksmuseum, Glasgow Museum Resource Centre and Reading Museum.

1818

Born in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Trained by his father, the portraitist Jean Augustin Daiwaille (1786-1850).

1833-1834

Worked in Hilversum, The Netherlands.

1834-1835

Worked in Kleve, Germany.

1835-1836

Worked in Nijmegen, The Netherlands.

1836-1839

Worked in The Hague, The Netherlands.

1840-1848

Worked in Kleve, Germany with his brother-in-law Barend Cornelis Koekkoek (1803-1862).

1849

Moved to Brussels, Belgium.

1888

Died in Brussels, Belgium.