Koekkoek Family

Four generations of artists in the 19th Century

The Koekkoek family (pronounce as: koo-kook) is generally known as the biggest dynasty of painters that has ever existed in the Netherlands. Spread over four generations, the family consisted of no less than fifteen painters. Their artistic abilities varied from having some talent to being extremely gifted. Nearly all of the Koekkoeks painted in Dutch Romantic style (which was the dominant movement between 1800-1870) and most of them developed a specialty regarding to subject matter. Today, we usually keep them apart by using their initials.

Stamboom Familie Koekkoek | Kunsthandel A.H. Bies

Who is Who

Johannes Hermanus Koekkoek: founder of the family and marine painter. Not to confuse with his son Hermanus or grandson Hermanus Jr. who both specialised in seascapes.

Barend Cornelis Koekkoek: The most significant landscape painter of early Dutch 19th century and most well-known member of the Koekkoek family. Besides summer landscapes he painted ice scenes, which are highly sought-after because of their artistic quality and rarity. Still enjoys a huge international reputation.

Marinus Adrianus Koekkoek: painted romantic landscapes with great attention to detail, like this brother B.C. Koekkoek.

Johannes Koekkoek: died a young age (19) because of which only very few paintings are known. Painted mostly marine paintings.

Hermanus Koekkoek: Generally considered to be the most talented marine painter of the early 19th century. Painted in realist-romantic style. His work is represented in both Dutch and international museum collections.

Hermanus Koekkoek Jr: Marine painter. Also known by his alias ‘Jan van Couver’. Moved to London in 1869, where he opened a gallery in 1880. In his later works the impressionistic influence of the Hague School becomes more visible.

Willem Koekkoek: Successful painter of cityscapes, both in the Netherlands and abroad. His work is for example represented in the National Gallery in London.

Johannes Hermanus Barend Koekkoek (‘Jan H.B.’): Known for his beach scenes and fisherman’s life. His earlier works are characterised by more accurate painting, according to Dutch Romanticism. In later work his stroke becomes looser, according to Impressionism.

Barend Hendrik Koekkoek: painter of (wooded) landscapes.

Hermanus Willem Koekkoek: Known for his military subjects. Was one of the few Dutch painters who choose this area of expertise.

Marinus Adrianus Koekkoek II: Landscape and animal painter. Worked in the National History Museum in Leiden as scientific draftsman for more than 20 years.

Gerardus Johannes (‘Gerard’) Koekkoek: Pupil of his father J.H.B. Koekkoek. Painted mostly (river)landscapes and beaches in impressionistic style.