Off the Coast at Middelharnis

Gerardus Johannes (Gerard) Koekkoek was a Dutch painter, draughtsman and graphic artist, and the son and pupil of the marine and landscape painter Johannes Hermanus Barend Koekkoek (1840–1912). Following in his father’s artistic tradition, he developed a particular interest in marine subjects, harbour scenes and landscapes, while establishing his reputation primarily as a printmaker.

Koekkoek later studied with the landscape and marine painter H.W. Jansen and the distinguished etcher Pieter Dupont, whose teaching contributed to his development as a graphic artist. He worked in etching, lithography and other graphic techniques, as well as painting and drawing. His work is characterised by an impressionistic approach and a particular sensitivity to atmosphere, light and the Dutch landscape.

Koekkoek lived and worked in Hilversum, Amsterdam and The Hague, and also spent time in Vlissingen. He undertook study journeys to Germany and France, broadening his artistic experience and developing his interest in waterside landscapes, harbour scenes, shipping and rural views. He was a member of the artists’ society Arti et Amicitiae in Amsterdam and other Dutch artists’ associations.

His work was exhibited in Amsterdam, Arnhem, The Hague and Rotterdam. His art is represented in important Dutch and European collections, including the Rijksmuseum / Rijksprentenkabinet in Amsterdam, the Museum Jan Cunen in Oss, and the B.C. Koekkoek-Haus in Kleve. The Rijksmuseum collection includes his etching Straatscène, Nieuw Hilversum, acquired in 1931.

Koekkoek’s work occupies a distinctive place within the long artistic tradition of the Koekkoek family, combining the family’s celebrated interest in landscape and marine painting with his own considerable achievement as a graphic artist.

Notes: Gerard Koekkoek was both the son and student of marine and landscape painter Johannes Hermanus Barend (1840-1912) Koekkoek. Later he studied under the landscape impressionist H.W. Jansen and the etcher P. Dupont. 

Gerard followed in his fathers’ footsteps, which is evident from the similar focus on marine scenes and landscape paintings. However, he was principally a graphic artist (etchings and lithography). Gerard worked and lived in Hilversum, Amsterdam and The Hague. He also travelled to Germany and France for studies. Examples of his work have been exhibited in Amsterdam, Arnhem, The Hague and Rotterdam.