{"product_id":"twelve-ducks-in-the-reeds-by-alexander-koester","title":"Twelve Ducks in the Reeds by Alexander Koester","description":"Alexander Koester\u003cbr\u003e 1864-1932 | German \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eTwelve Ducks in the Reeds\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed \"A Koester\" (lower right)\u003cbr\u003e Oil on canvas \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Celebrating the mastery of Germany’s foremost animal painter, \u003cem\u003eTwelve Ducks in the Reeds\u003c\/em\u003e 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.” \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 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. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 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. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Early 20th century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Canvas: 30 1\/4\" high x 50 1\/4\" wide (76.84 × 127.64 cm)\u003cbr\u003e Frame: 42\" high x 62 1\/2\" wide x 2 1\/4\" deep (106.68 × 158.75 x 5.72 cm)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, Germany\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45205900886151,"sku":"32-2753","price":148500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2753_1.png?v=1783689661","url":"https:\/\/rauantiques.com\/products\/twelve-ducks-in-the-reeds-by-alexander-koester","provider":"M.S. Rau","version":"1.0","type":"link"}