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Learn MoreZwölf Enten am Brünnel by Alexander Koester
- This work is a signature example of Alexander Koester’s duck motif and mastery of light
- The dynamic interplay of sunlight and natural reflections on canvas creates a stunning display
- Koester was a member of the Klausner Art Colony, contributing to 19th-century European naturalism
- He is represented in major collections and museums around the world
- Get complete item description here
$168,500
Item No.
32-0291
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Description
Alexander Koester
1864–1932 | German
Zwölf Enten am Brünnel
(Twelve Ducks at the Spring)
Signed “A. Koester” (lower left)
Oil on canvas
A masterful portrayal of one of Alexander Koester’s most cherished motifs, Zwölf Enten am Brünnel (Twelve Ducks at the Spring) exemplifies the artist’s celebrated talent for capturing the dynamic interplay of light and nature. Known for his evocative depictions of ducks in tranquil, sunlit environments, Koester's work reflects a dedication. . .
1864–1932 | German
Zwölf Enten am Brünnel
(Twelve Ducks at the Spring)
Signed “A. Koester” (lower left)
Oil on canvas
A masterful portrayal of one of Alexander Koester’s most cherished motifs, Zwölf Enten am Brünnel (Twelve Ducks at the Spring) exemplifies the artist’s celebrated talent for capturing the dynamic interplay of light and nature. Known for his evocative depictions of ducks in tranquil, sunlit environments, Koester's work reflects a dedication. . .
Read More
Alexander Koester
1864–1932 | German
Zwölf Enten am Brünnel
(Twelve Ducks at the Spring)
Signed “A. Koester” (lower left)
Oil on canvas
A masterful portrayal of one of Alexander Koester’s most cherished motifs, Zwölf Enten am Brünnel (Twelve Ducks at the Spring) exemplifies the artist’s celebrated talent for capturing the dynamic interplay of light and nature. Known for his evocative depictions of ducks in tranquil, sunlit environments, Koester's work reflects a dedication to observing the subtle beauty of the natural world. This striking canvas demonstrates his expressive brushwork and ability to infuse life and movement into his compositions.
The painting features a serene pond scene with twelve ducks milling about by the water, their feathers shimmering under the soft glow of sunlight. Koester’s keen attention to the reflection of light on the ducks' plumage heightens the sense of realism, while the harmonious palette of earthy greens, browns and blues evokes a peaceful atmosphere. The brushstrokes, both delicate and confident, lend a vibrancy to the composition, showcasing Koester’s exceptional skill in creating texture and movement.
Alexander Koester was born in Bergneustadt in 1864, the son of a stocking manufacturer. Initially trained as a pharmacist at his parents’ request, he later abandoned this path to pursue his passion for art, enrolling at the Karlsruhe Academy in 1885. Studying under Karl Hoff and Claus Meyer, Koester developed his craft and gained recognition for his portraits and genre paintings. In 1896, he relocated to Klausen in South Tyrol, joining the renowned “Klausner Art Colony,” where he began to focus heavily on painting ducks, a motif that would define his career. Koester’s meticulous study of light and nature allowed him to transform this subject into a dynamic and celebrated element of his oeuvre. His expressive handling of paint and ability to render the vivid interplay of light on water earned him significant acclaim as a leading painter of 19th-century naturalist scenes.
Painted circa 1900
Canvas: 27 1/2" high x 39" wide (69.85 x 99.06 cm)
Framed: 35 3/4" high x 47" wide x 2 3/4" deep (90.81 x 119.38 x 6.99 cm)
Provenance:
Sotheby’s, London, 26 November 1986, Lot 134
European Private Collection
Private Collection, Germany
Literature:
Ruth Stein, Alexander Koester 1864–1932: Life and Work, Recklinghausen, 1988, no. 67
1864–1932 | German
Zwölf Enten am Brünnel
(Twelve Ducks at the Spring)
Signed “A. Koester” (lower left)
Oil on canvas
A masterful portrayal of one of Alexander Koester’s most cherished motifs, Zwölf Enten am Brünnel (Twelve Ducks at the Spring) exemplifies the artist’s celebrated talent for capturing the dynamic interplay of light and nature. Known for his evocative depictions of ducks in tranquil, sunlit environments, Koester's work reflects a dedication to observing the subtle beauty of the natural world. This striking canvas demonstrates his expressive brushwork and ability to infuse life and movement into his compositions.
The painting features a serene pond scene with twelve ducks milling about by the water, their feathers shimmering under the soft glow of sunlight. Koester’s keen attention to the reflection of light on the ducks' plumage heightens the sense of realism, while the harmonious palette of earthy greens, browns and blues evokes a peaceful atmosphere. The brushstrokes, both delicate and confident, lend a vibrancy to the composition, showcasing Koester’s exceptional skill in creating texture and movement.
Alexander Koester was born in Bergneustadt in 1864, the son of a stocking manufacturer. Initially trained as a pharmacist at his parents’ request, he later abandoned this path to pursue his passion for art, enrolling at the Karlsruhe Academy in 1885. Studying under Karl Hoff and Claus Meyer, Koester developed his craft and gained recognition for his portraits and genre paintings. In 1896, he relocated to Klausen in South Tyrol, joining the renowned “Klausner Art Colony,” where he began to focus heavily on painting ducks, a motif that would define his career. Koester’s meticulous study of light and nature allowed him to transform this subject into a dynamic and celebrated element of his oeuvre. His expressive handling of paint and ability to render the vivid interplay of light on water earned him significant acclaim as a leading painter of 19th-century naturalist scenes.
Painted circa 1900
Canvas: 27 1/2" high x 39" wide (69.85 x 99.06 cm)
Framed: 35 3/4" high x 47" wide x 2 3/4" deep (90.81 x 119.38 x 6.99 cm)
Provenance:
Sotheby’s, London, 26 November 1986, Lot 134
European Private Collection
Private Collection, Germany
Literature:
Ruth Stein, Alexander Koester 1864–1932: Life and Work, Recklinghausen, 1988, no. 67
Read Less
Specifications
| Maker: | Koester, Alexander |
| Period: | 1816-1918 |
| Origin: | Germany |
| Type: | Paintings |
| Style: | Realism |
| Depth: | 2.75 in. (6.99 cm) |
| Width: | 47.0 in. (119.38 cm) |
| Height: | 35.75 in. (90.81 cm) |
| Canvas Width: | 39.000 in. (99.06 cm) |
| Canvas Height: | 27.500 in. (69.85 cm) |
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Buy with Confidence
At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.
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