Alexander Koester

Alexander Koester (1864–1932) was a German painter celebrated for his charming and lifelike depictions of ducks, earning him the nickname “the duck painter.” Known for his masterful rendering of feathers, water reflections, and natural light, Koester captured rural and riverside scenes with warmth, precision, and a keen eye for movement. His works often combined realism with an idyllic atmosphere, making them highly popular among collectors in Germany and abroad. Born in Bergneustadt, Koester initially trained as a pharmacist before studying at the Academy of Fine Arts in Karlsruhe, where he turned to painting full-time. In 1891, he married Elise Wirth, and the couple settled near Lake Constance, where his proximity to waterfowl greatly influenced his subject matter. Koester continued painting prolifically until his death in Munich in 1932.