#05907 Willem Koekkoek

The painting presents a cluster of waterfowl amidst a body of water densely populated with lily pads. The composition is dominated by the luminous white plumage of the birds, which are rendered in thick, impasto strokes that capture both their form and texture. These forms appear almost sculptural against the darker backdrop.
Here we see a deliberate contrast between light and shadow. The waterfowl are bathed in an intense, reflected light source, likely originating from beyond the frame, while the surrounding water and foliage recede into deep blues and blacks. This creates a sense of depth and mystery, obscuring the far reaches of the scene. The lily pads themselves are painted with varying degrees of green and yellow, suggesting both their surface texture and how they interact with the light.
The artist’s brushwork is loose and expressive, prioritizing feeling over precise detail. Individual feathers are not meticulously defined; instead, the overall impression of softness and volume is conveyed through the application of paint. This technique lends a dreamlike quality to the scene, blurring the line between observation and interpretation.
Subtly, theres an element of enclosure present. The birds appear huddled together, their forms overlapping and intertwined. This could suggest themes of community, protection, or perhaps even vulnerability within a natural setting. The darkness surrounding them reinforces this sense of being sheltered from something unseen. The painting evokes a quiet stillness, inviting contemplation on the delicate balance between light and shadow, form and void, and the inherent beauty found in commonplace nature.