Dutch romanticism, Rhine and seasons · 1803 -1862

Nicknamed the prince of landscape painters, Koekkoek idealizes Rhine, forests and winters with precise light, deep panoramas and a smooth finish that preserves the unity of the atmosphere.

Barend Cornelis Koekkoek was born in Middelburg in 1803 into a family of painters and died in Cleves in 1862. His father, Johannes Hermanus Koekkoek, was a marine painter; his brothers also pursued an artistic career. After his training, Barend sought landscapes more varied than the Dutch plains. He traveled to Harz, Brabant and especially the Rhine valley, whose hills, castles and forests corresponded to his romantic ideal. In 1834, he settled permanently in Cleves. His compositions often combine a river or valley diagonal with a distant panorama. In 1834, he settled permanently in Cleves. His compositions often combine a river or valley diagonal with a distant panorama. In 1834, he settled permanently in Cleves. His compositions often associate a river or valley diagonal with a distant panorama. In 1834, he settled permanently in Cleves. His compositions often associate a river or valley diagonal with a distant panorama. In 1834, he settled permanently in Cleves. His compositions often associate a river or valley diagonal with a distant panorama. In 1834, he settled permanently in Cleves. His compositions often associate a river or stormy gives the landscape temporal tension. Koekkoek nevertheless remains a painter of detail. The Rijksmuseum describes him as a fijnschilder with a finish as smooth as porcelain, capable of preserving the unity of the whole despite the precision of each branch and each figure. Sunset on the Rhine condenses this language: the river leads the gaze, the light orders the plans and the evening time transforms the topography into mood. Winter landscape, Holland reduces color but enriches the values of snow, sky and distance. Small human figures serve as a measure and story without dominating nature. In 1841, Koekkoek founded a drawing academy in Cleves and publishes his ideas on landscape painting. His success with collectors and European courts made him a major figure in Dutch romanticism. The "Barend Cornelis Koekkoek" selection notably compares Sunset on the Rhine - Barend Cornelis Koekkoek and Winter Landscape, Holland - Barend Cornelis Koekkoek. His reading favors details.

Koekkoek idealizes without dissolving reality: each tree and path remains precise, but light, season and depth transform the place into a romantic mood.