Henry Kokken was a painter of purely ‘nature-morte’ subjects usually on a small scale so this particular example can be regarded as larger than most. It dates to around 1890 and bears all of the characteristics that one associates with Kokken’s work. The moody colors, flowing brush-strokes and balance of light are all elements one expects to see in his oils.
Kokken was born in Antwerp in 1860 where he studied at the Academie d’Anvers. Although he would spend much of his life in Antwerp, he was a frequent traveler. During the period 1885-1920 he visited England, Italy, Franceand Holland on numerous separate occasions. For an artist of such obvious skills there is limited biographical information on him although he is listed in all of the important Belgian art dictionaries.
Lit; E. Benezit
Arto
P. Piron