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Twelve Ducks in the Reeds by Alexander Koester
- This is a masterpiece by Alexander Koester, Germany's premier painter of ducks and water scenes
- It exemplifies Koester’s technique with confident brushstrokes that capture the effects of light
- The composition frames twelve white ducks emerging from the water toward the shore of golden reeds
- The work showcases the artist’s unparalleled understanding of avian behavior and form
- Get complete item description here
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1864-1932 | German
Twelve Ducks in the Reeds
Signed "A Koester" (lower right)
Oil on canvas
Celebrating the mastery of Germany’s foremost animal painter, Twelve Ducks in the Reeds reveals Alexander Koester’s remarkable ability to capture the lively spirit of his avian subjects and the subtle effects of light on water. Painted in a harmonious palette of beige, white and blue, the work showcases Koester’s signature Impressionistic brushwork and refined. . .
1864-1932 | German
Twelve Ducks in the Reeds
Signed "A Koester" (lower right)
Oil on canvas
Celebrating the mastery of Germany’s foremost animal painter, Twelve Ducks in the Reeds reveals Alexander Koester’s remarkable ability to capture the lively spirit of his avian subjects and the subtle effects of light on water. Painted in a harmonious palette of beige, white and blue, the work showcases Koester’s signature Impressionistic brushwork and refined use of color that earned him international acclaim and the nickname “Duck-Koester.”
Twelve white ducks emerge from the water toward the shore of golden reeds, their forms creating delicate ripples that reflect the unseen sky above. Among them, one duck stands apart with dark patches in its plumage, a charming variation of nature. Koester’s loose, confident brushwork is balanced by his precise attention to detail, from the tiny highlights on the ducks’ beaks to the delicate reeds along the shoreline. Through this masterful combination of atmosphere and observation, Koester transforms a simple moment in nature into a captivating study of light, movement and color.
Alexander Koester initially trained as a pharmacist before pursuing his artistic calling at the Karlsruhe Art Academy under masters Carl Hoff and Claus Meyer. His career underwent a transformative shift in 1896 when he settled in Klausen, South Tyrol, where he developed his lifelong fascination with ducks. This specialization brought him extraordinary success during his lifetime, including gold medals at the Große Berliner Kunstausstellung in 1902 and the St. Louis World's Fair in 1904. One of his duck paintings was even acquired by Kaiser Wilhelm II in 1900. Koester's unique approach merged traditional animal painting with impressionist techniques, focusing particularly on capturing ephemeral light effects on water and plumage. Though he later expanded his repertoire to include landscapes and floral still lifes after relocating to Dießen am Ammersee in 1915, ducks remained his signature subject throughout his career. Today, his works are held in prestigious collections, including the Neue Pinakothek in Munich.
Early 20th century
Canvas: 30 1/4" high x 50 1/4" wide (76.84 × 127.64 cm)
Frame: 42" high x 62 1/2" wide x 2 1/4" deep (106.68 × 158.75 x 5.72 cm)
Provenance:
Private collection, Germany
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
| Maker: | Koester, Alexander |
| Period: | 1816-1918 |
| Origin: | Germany |
| Type: | Paintings |
| Style: | Post-Impressionism |
| Depth: | 2.25 in. (5.72 cm) |
| Width: | 62.5 in. (158.75 cm) |
| Height: | 42.0 in. (106.68 cm) |
| Canvas Width: | 50.250 in. (127.64 cm) |
| Canvas Height: | 30.250 in. (76.84 cm) |
Buy With Confidence
For over a century, we've placed important art, rare jewels and exceptional objects with more than 14,000 collectors worldwide, and have been recognized by trusted publications including Robb Report, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and more.
On Approval
Examine select works in person before you commit
125% Guarantee
Full credit plus 5% annual appreciation for five years
Trusted Expertise
Over two centuries of combined experience across our specialists
