Robert Griffier

Rt. Hon. The Earl of Shrewsbury and Waterford;
Leger Galleries, Londres

C.E. Jackson, Bird painting in the Eighteenth century, Woodbridge, Suffolk, 1994, p. 72, reproduit p. 73.

The image on the catalogue is too darker, the painting is more contrasted. The painting is in overall good condition. It has been properly relined thirty years ago. There are no visible restoration. Under UV light: Under a green uniform varnish. There are two or three very small retouchings in the water, under the central duck.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Fils de Jan Griffier, peintre paysagiste hollandais, Robert Griffier manifesta très vite de grandes dispositions pour la peinture, partageant son temps entre Londres et Amsterdam. Il se spécialisa dans le genre des natures mortes et des paysages, accordant une place privilégiée à l'étude des oiseaux. 

Notre tableau s'inscrit parfaitement dans l'oeuvre de l'artiste. Au-delà de ses qualités artistiques remarquables et de son intérêt décoratif, il se révèle être une source documentaire non négligeable, offrant un regard plus avisé sur les espèces d'oiseaux que l'on pouvait observer à l'époque en Angleterre, et plus particulièrement dans les jardins de la propriété du Earl of Shrewsbury and Waterford, à la demande duquel le tableau avait probablement été réalisé.