item details
NameThe birds
ProductionMelchior d'Hondecoeter; follower of; 17th century; Netherlands
Classificationoil paintings
Materialsoil paint, canvas
Materials Summaryoil on canvas
DimensionsImage: 987mm (height), 1250mm (length)
Registration Number1992-0035-2276
Credit lineBequest of Mrs E.G. Elgar, 1946
Overview
A hen quarrels with a peacock in this improbable gathering of game and poultry. Most of these birds were to be sighted down a gun barrel and delivered to the cook.
Such paintings were conversation pieces, and declared their owner’s wealth and access to exclusive hunting grounds.