Villagers on a Sunlit Dutch Street

The Koekkoek name is synonymous with artistic excellence from the 19th Century Dutch Romantic period. Willem Koekkoek, the painter of the present lot, was the son of Hermanus Koekkoek Senior and the grandson of Johannes Hermanus Koekkoek, both well-known marine painters. Willem differentiated himself by specializing in Dutch town scenes that evoke a halcyon time. Rather than depicting specific towns, Willem favored capriccio views that frequently include a narrow street that cuts between rows of neatly arranged, elaborately gabled buildings. Often shown with dramatic contrasts of light and shadow, his paintings capture the feeling of summer at mid-day. Admired both during his lifetime and still today, Willem was integral to establishing his family's distinguished reputation.