Norris Fowler Willatt (1859-1924) - Pair of Watercolours Sciedam from the River

Description

Better known as Louis Van Staaten, Norris Fowler Willatt is a well listed watercolourist, known mostly for his Dutch harbour scenes, depicting boats and streets scenes. Many works by the artist have been sold at auction, including 'Figures on barges in a Dutch port; and A Dutch canal scene' sold at Christie's, London. This pair of delicate watercolours depict the port town of Schiedam in the province of South Holland in the Netherlands. Quintessential Dutch hallmarks such as the traditional windmills, barges and riverside town houses and cottages are all present in the composition, wonderfully executed by the artists' fine touch. One composition is signed by the artist, the other inscribed with the title 'Schiedam from the river'. On board.

Condition

Areas of discolouration and minor surface marks to both watercolours. Mount burn visible to the signed watercolour. Otherwise the condition is good.

Size

37.3 x 54.1cm (14.7" x 21.3")
Sheet: 39.2 x 56.4cm (15.4" x 22.2")

Artist Biography

Norris Fowler Willatt or Hermanus Koekkoek the younger was a Dutch painter especially known for his seascapes. He also worked under the pseudonym Jan van Coever and Louis van Straaten. He came of a family of well known artists. He was the grandson of Johannes Hermanus Koekkoek and cousin of the famous landscape painter Barend Cornelis Koekoek and son of Hermanus Koekkoek the elder. Also his son Stephen Robert Koekkoek (1887-1934) would become a painter. He was taught the profession by his father in Amsterdam. In the 1860s he travelled regularly to London, where he moved too permanently in 1869. He had a gallery here and sold next to his own work also the works of his family members to the British public. He mainly focused on sea-, river and beach scenes. He painted in the romantic-realistic style. He preferred scenes of ships struggling in heavy sea. His later work is influenced by the Hague School. In his time in London he regularly painted under the name Jan van Couver and Louis van Straaten.