Studio of Melchior d'Hondecoeter

Sir Timothy Waldo (1711-1780), Hever Castle, Kent, and Clapham, London;
By descent to his daughter Jane Waldo (born 1746), Clapham, who died without issue;
By descent to her cousin Edmund Wakefield Mead Waldo (1792-1858), 1 June 1830;
By descent to Edmund Waldo Mead Waldo (born 1829);
By descent to Edmund Gustavius Meade-Waldo (1865-1934), Hever Castle until 1903 and thereafter at Stonewall Park, Edenbridge;
By descent to the grandfather of the present owner, and thence by inheritance.

A catalogue of the pictures in the possession of Miss Waldo, Clapham, 18th century, no. 2.

The canvas has a fairly recent relining which is sound. The painting, which is covered by a thin layer of dirty and dirty varnish, is generally in very good overall condition for a canvas of this size. The most noticeable (under UV) interventions come in the shape of strengthening to some of the dark background areas: to the ground behind the turkey and the pillar above; to the stone wall in the middle distance, some of the trees in the far distance, and the round at the extreme right. These strengthenings are thinly done and probably somewhat unnecessary. In the sky, immediately above the temple, are two areas of localised retouchings. The painting has survived remarkably well and requires only a light surface clean. Sold with a decorative gilt wood frame, in good condition but with some losses along the lower horizontal.
"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."

This is a period copy after Hondecoeter's original in the Coke Collection, Holkham Hall. Another version was offered in these Rooms, 6 December 1989, lot 28.