{"product_id":"sixteen-ducks-in-the-evening-by-alexander-koester","title":"Sixteen Ducks in the Evening by Alexander Koester","description":"Alexander Koester\u003cbr\u003e 1864-1932 | German \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eSixteen Ducks in the Evening (Sechzehn Enten in Abendstimmung)\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed \"A KOESTER\" (lower left)\u003cbr\u003e Oil on canvas \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Epitomizing the mastery of Germany's preeminent animal painter, \u003cem\u003eSixteen Ducks in the Evening (Sechzehn Enten in Abendstimmung)\u003c\/em\u003e showcases Alexander Koester's virtuosic ability to capture both the animated spirit of his avian subjects and the atmospheric play of light upon water. This monumental composition stands as one of the artist's largest and most complex works ever created, featuring an unprecedented sixteen ducks in a single scene. The ambitious scale demonstrates Koester's characteristic impressionistic brushwork and remarkable command of color that earned him international acclaim and the nickname \"Duck-Koester.\" \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The painting presents a dynamic scene of sixteen ducks and drakes congregating in shimmering waters, their bodies creating ripples that catch the fading light of day. Koester's technical brilliance is evident in his treatment of the water's surface, where free, confident brushstrokes convey both reflection and movement. The artist employs a sophisticated palette dominated by rich browns and blues in the water, contrasted against the luminous white plumage of the ducks, heightened by touches of emerald and auburn. This juxtaposition creates a visual rhythm across the canvas that draws the viewer into the composition. \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 Painted circa 1900 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Canvas: 29 7\/8\" high x 54 1\/2\" wide (75.88 × 138.43 cm)\u003cbr\u003e Frame: 42 1\/4\" high x 67 3\/8\" wide x 2 1\/2\" deep (107.32 × 171.13 x 6.35 cm)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e European private collection\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51803565031746,"sku":null,"price":358500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/32-0987_1.png?v=1768102779","url":"https:\/\/www.bullvendors19.com\/products\/sixteen-ducks-in-the-evening-by-alexander-koester","provider":"Bull Vendors 19","version":"1.0","type":"link"}