Elf Enten im Wasser. Ca. 1915-1932.
Oil on canvas.
Cf. Stein 905/906. 45.5 x 76.5 cm (17.9 x 30.1 in).
Verso of canvas with inscription. [CB].

With an expertise issued by Dr. Ruth Stein, Stuttgart, from 16 November 1996 (in copy).

PROVENANCE: From the estate of the painter Thomas Riss (1871-1959) (verso of canvas with inscription).
Galerie Kovacek, Vienna (1998)
Private collection Hamburg.

Alexander Koester's paintings are made in an easy duct inspired by Impressionism. He renders the motif of the flock of ducks in close vision and just hints at the bank in the upper right margin. Koester focuses on the swift impression of the ducks in light and pastose spots of paint that only mix the very moment of observation. Instead of a narration, the artist only pursues an optical stimulus: He lights the animals' plumage and reflections of the sunlight on the water with light and color. Koester's stroke of the brush follows the structure of the feathers and reaches a lifelike reproduction. Koester's works are characterized by a naturalistic conception in combination with an impressive atmosphere.