This late 19th-century oil painting by Dutch artist Hendrik Pieter Koekkoek (1843-c.1890) depicts a rutted country road flanked by mature oak trees with a cottage, figures, and distant view. Hailing from Hilversum, The Netherlands, Koekkoek was an accomplished painter of landscapes.
Deep in an upland wood, children play by a thatched cottage nestled into foliage. While two older figures set the world to rights, sheltered by a leafy canopy. It’s an idyllic vision of rural life amid undulant picturesque surroundings.
Koekkoek was part of a painting dynasty, which originated with his grandfather, Johannes Hermanus Koekkoek (1771-1851). Johannes was followed by his four sons, one of whom was Hendrik’s father, Marinus Adrianus Koekkoek (1807-1868). The influence of Koekkoek’s father is evident in his early works, which are emboldened with the same romantic spirit. Skies hang in great swathes of silky white over verdant scenery, buoyant and sun-blushed.
Koekkoek’s father was taught by his brother, Barend Cornelis Koekkoek (1803-1862), who is considered a pioneer of romantic landscape painting. He built upon the legacy of the 17th-century Dutch masters, who celebrated their iconic countryside with canny realism.
As well as capturing many views from his homeland, Hendrik also toured Britain, where he established a flourishing career. His distinctive, confident, portrayals of nature, finding favour with middle-class patrons. His cousin, Hermanus, was an art dealer in London and it’s likely that the pair worked together.
He’s represented in numerous public collections including at the The Art Institute of Chicago.
Learn more about Hendrik Pieter Koekkoek in our directory.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 45” x 32” / 116cm x 82cm
Year of creation: c. 1870
Labels & Inscriptions: Art dealer's label.
Provenance: 19th Century European Paintings, Christie’s, New York, 21 May 1997, lot 46 (hammer price $10,000) / Art Dealership, Rutland / Private collection, UK.
Condition: Canvas relined. Areas of fine and settled craquelure, as you would expect. The paint layer is stable. Frame in excellent condition.
Artist’s auction maximum: £11,620 for ‘Children Picking Flowers in a Park’, Oil on canvas, Sotheby’s, New York, 19th Century European Art, 2005 (lot 137).
Our reference: BRV1916
