KLEVE.- The B.C. Koekkoek-House in Kleve has added a remarkable piece to its collection: The View of Kleve from Klever Berg by Haarlem painter Cornelis Lieste (1817–1861). Purchased at auction by the Friends of the Museum Kurhaus and Koekkoek House Kleve, the painting captures the picturesque charm of Kleve’s landscape, a favorite among Dutch Romantic painters.


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A Testament to Romanticism

Lieste’s work showcases the allure of Kleve’s topography during the 19th century, celebrated by Dutch artists for its idyllic vistas. The painting centers on Nimweger Straße, framed by Kleve’s iconic Schwanenburg castle on the left and the Stiftskirche on the right. The Tiergarten forest is depicted alongside a simplified representation of the Schwanenburg, while the Heideberger Mill remains hidden from view, a subtle nod to the city’s evolution.

Lieste’s use of composition, light, and aerial perspective reflects the influence of celebrated landscape artist B.C. Koekkoek. While no direct contact between the two painters is documented, Lieste’s work embodies Koekkoek’s stylistic ideals, likely informed by the Dutch artist’s study trips to Germany and Belgium in 1840.

Preserving a Lost Landscape

The painting offers a glimpse into Kleve’s now-lost 19th-century environment, marked by expansive sandy terrain, low-lying forests, and largely undeveloped surroundings. Its idealized depiction of the city contrasts starkly with today’s urbanized landscape, presenting a “paradisiacal” vision that underscores the Romantic era’s focus on nature and tranquility.

Historical Connections

The acquisition aligns with existing works in the museum’s collection, including a large-format Lower Rhine landscape featuring Moyland Castle, also dating to the 1840s. A sketchbook from the museum archives, documenting Lieste’s travels along the Lower Rhine, Düssel, Mosel, and Ahr, further supports the connection between the artist’s studies and his completed works.

Enhancing the Museum's Legacy

This latest acquisition strengthens the museum’s mission to preserve and showcase the topography and cultural history of Kleve. With its idyllic portrayal of a bygone era, The View of Kleve from Klever Berg enriches the museum’s narrative of the city’s transformation over the centuries.


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