Willem Koekkoek (Amsterdam 1838-1895)

The present lot is a wonderful example of Willem Koekkoek's talent and skill in rendering a peaceful and idealistic view of a typical Dutch town. Although the street scene looks authentic, the present lot is a so-called capriccio: a random combination of exsisting architectural elements of historical towns which Koekkoek had visited. For the present composition the artist may have been inspired by the manner in which the domestic buildings are situated against the outer walls of the Saint Bavo's church in Haarlem.