The present publication was originally presented as the author's doctoral thesis at the Universität Münster in 1997. Following an introduction, there are sections covering the artist's life from his early academy days to the end of his career in Cleves. The publication includes essays on Koekkoek's subjects discussed by decade, as well as his oil studies and drawings, also listed chronologically. Appendices cover biographical data and source documentation. There is a bibliography and plate index.