Details

Provenance

Sale, Christie's Amsterdam, November 2000, lot 279 Collectie Drs Loek Brons B.V., Amsterdam Acquired from the above by the present owner

Literature

Rotterdam, Museum Boymans-van Beuningen, Pyke Koch, Schilderijen en Tekeningen , February - May 1995, no.106, illustrated Condition The painting is in very good condition. "In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE." Catalogue Note In the 1920's the cultural movement Surrealism arose throughout Europe.  In the fine arts Giorgio de Chirico was one of the big inspirators for this movement (see lot 59). The surrealists tried to capture the world beyond the visible reality. In the Netherlands this movement, called Magisch Realisme (Magic Realism) was represented by artists such as Pyke Koch, Carel Willink and Raoul Hynckes. A striking feature of their art is their highly realistic style. They reacted against the abstract movement and focussed on the technique which, according to them, had fallen into decay since impressionism. The result is a representation of finely painted elements of the recognisable world that are combined in an unusual way or set in a mysterious atmosphere, which evokes a strange and sometimes unsettling feeling. Pyke Koch is represented in this sale with two paintings that show exactly this eeriness (see also lot 62). In 1938 he painted 'The Florentine Garden' which he revisited twice in 1968. These paintings have symbols and signs which reveal their erotic nature. In this work, he chose to focus on one single cypress which stands tall and erect behind an ancient wall. Koch loved to hide symbols in his paintings and here again we are inclined to read the tunnel and almost feminine sloping hills in the background as erotic references.

Catalog summary

Pyke Koch Cypres signed voor Ock van Pyke and dated 1969 oil on canvas 53,5 by 28 cm. Provenance Sale, Christie's Amsterdam, November 2000, lot 279 Collectie Drs Loek Brons B.V., Amsterdam Acquired from the above by the present owner Literature Rotterdam, Museum Boymans-van Beuningen, Pyke Koch, Schilderijen en Tekeningen , February - May 1995, no.106, illustrated Condition The painting is in very good condition. "In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE." Catalogue Note In the 1920's the cultural movement Surrealism arose throughout Europe.  In the fine arts Giorgio de Chirico was one of the big inspirators for this movement (see lot 59). The surrealists tried to capture the world beyond the visible reality. In the Netherlands this movement, called Magisch Realisme (Magic Realism) was represented by artists such as Pyke Koch, Carel Willink and Raoul Hynckes. A striking feature of their art is their highly realistic style. They reacted against the abstract movement and focussed on the technique which, according to them, had fallen into decay since impressionism. The result is a representation of finely painted elements of the recognisable world that are combined in an unusual way or set in a mysterious atmosphere, which evokes a strange and sometimes unsettling feeling. Pyke Koch is represented in this sale with two paintings that show exactly this eeriness (see also lot 62). In 1938 he painted 'The Florentine Garden' which he revisited twice in 1968. These paintings have symbols and signs which reveal their erotic nature. In this work, he chose to focus on one single cypress which stands tall and erect behind an ancient wall. Koch loved to hide symbols in his paintings and here again we are inclined to read the tunnel and almost feminine sloping hills in the background as erotic references.