Sale: 435 / Art of the 19th Century, Nov. 25. 2016 in Munich Lot 91

 

91
Alexander Koester
Sechs Enten im Wasser, Ca. 1900-1905.
Oil on canvas
Estimate:
€ 18,000 / $ 19,440
Sold:
€ 22,500 / $ 24,300

(incl. surcharge)
Sechs Enten im Wasser. Ca. 1900-1905.
Oil on canvas.
Cf. Stein 681. Lower left signed. 52 x 78.5 cm (20.4 x 30.9 in). [CB].

PROVENANCE: Wiener Kunst Auktionen, auctions no. 20, 29 September 1998, lot 64 (with copy of receipt).

Alexander Koester's paintings are made in an easy flow of the brush inspired by Impressionism. He depicts the motif of the flock of ducks from a close perspective and just hints at the bank in the upper margin. Koester captures the swift impression of the very moment in light and pastose spots of paint that form a whole in the eye of the observer. Instead of a narration the artist only cares for the visual stimulus: He illuminates the plumage and the sunbeams' reflections on the water through light and color. His brush follows the feathers' structure and he realizes a true-to-life depiction. Koester's works are characterized by a naturalistic conception coupled with an impressive atmosphere.
Alexander Koester's painting were acquired by, among others, Emperor Wilhelm II, Luitpold, Prince Regent of Bavaria, Victor Emmanuel III of Italy, the Belgian king and Raymond Poincaré, Prime Minister of France.
Important works by the artist are in possession of, among others, the following museums:
Kunstsammlung, Chemnitz
Anhaltische Gemäldegalerie, Dessau
Joanneum, Graz
Neue Pinakothek, Munich
Frye Art Museum, Seattle
Österreichische Galerie, Vienna



91
Alexander Koester
Sechs Enten im Wasser, Ca. 1900-1905.
Oil on canvas
Estimate:
€ 18,000 / $ 19,440
Sold:
€ 22,500 / $ 24,300

(incl. surcharge)