Lot 1540 Dα

With a hand-written label signed by Koekkoek, dated 1855, and with the artist's red varnish seal to verso along with an old label numbered 38.
B. C. Koekkoek was born in Holland but moved to the Lower Rhenish town of Cleves in 1834. He already acquired the moniker “Prince of Landscape Painting” in the 19th century, and his success and influence as an artist was evident not least in his list of illustrious patrons. These included Tsar Alexander II of Russia, King Frederick William IV of Prussia, and the Dutch King Willem II.
Throughout his entire career, Koekkoek derived the motifs for his works from the untouched, gently rolling hills of the Lower Rhine region. Although he generally adhered to the actual topographical conditions of the landscapes he represented, the majority of his works display a tendency towards idealisation expressed in their artfully arranged compositions. His works are also characterised by their bright colour palette and impressive use of light, which is also used to the best effect in this present, harmoniously composed work.