- 38
Attributed to Jakob Bogdány
Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Jakob Bogdány
- A cock, hens, pigeons and other birds in an extensive landscape
- signed lower right: J. Bodgani
- oil on canvas
- 49in by 39in
Provenance
The Cotton Family, Tythrop Park, Buckinghamshire;
Their sale, London, Christie's, 27 April 1995, lot 110, for £144,500 (as Bogdani).
Their sale, London, Christie's, 27 April 1995, lot 110, for £144,500 (as Bogdani).
Exhibited
London, Spink and Son, English Oil Paintings, 14 November – 8 December 1978, no. 13.
Condition
The canvas has a fairly recent and rather firm relining. The paint surface is slightly pressed as a result. The painting is in good overall condition, with no major damages or repairs. Ultra-violet light reveals fairly extensive but light strengthening and retouching to the plumage and to the background landscape.
Offered in plain gilt wood frame with moulded sight edge, in good condition.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
In his paintings of domestic and exotic fowl in grandiose settings Bogdány was consciously following in the tradition of Melchior d’Hondecoeter (1636–95), with whose work he would have been familiar during his residence in Amsterdam between 1684 and 1686. This picture was no doubt painted in England where Bogdány settled in 1688 following the accession of William and Mary, for whom he worked.
As the leading painter of still-lifes and birds, Bogdány had access to the aviary of Admiral George Churchill (1654–1710), younger brother of John, 1st Duke of Marlborough, near his house Ranger’s Lodge in the ‘Little Park’ (now Home Park) at Windsor. Admiral Churchill was among Bogdány’s most important patrons. Several of his large canvases of birds were purchased from Admiral Churchill’s executors by Queen Anne, who, according to George Vertue, ‘was please’d with his performances. & encourag’d him much’ (Notebooks, Vol. I, in Walpole Society, vol. XVIII, Oxford 1930, p. 127).
In terms of subject and setting, this picture bears comparison with Bogdány’s Birds in a Landscape, recorded at Kensington Palace and later at Hampton Court (see O. Millar, The Tudor, Stuart and Early Georgian Pictures in the Collection of her Majesty the Queen, London 1963, p. 165, no. 475, reproduced plate 172). Recurring motifs include a pair of doves perched on a classical-style fragment and finches in a tree, all set before a distant vista onto a lake. Here, however, the oyster-catcher, partridges and quail that occupy the foreground of the Royal Collection picture, have been replaced with ornamental fowl of more colourful plumage.
As the leading painter of still-lifes and birds, Bogdány had access to the aviary of Admiral George Churchill (1654–1710), younger brother of John, 1st Duke of Marlborough, near his house Ranger’s Lodge in the ‘Little Park’ (now Home Park) at Windsor. Admiral Churchill was among Bogdány’s most important patrons. Several of his large canvases of birds were purchased from Admiral Churchill’s executors by Queen Anne, who, according to George Vertue, ‘was please’d with his performances. & encourag’d him much’ (Notebooks, Vol. I, in Walpole Society, vol. XVIII, Oxford 1930, p. 127).
In terms of subject and setting, this picture bears comparison with Bogdány’s Birds in a Landscape, recorded at Kensington Palace and later at Hampton Court (see O. Millar, The Tudor, Stuart and Early Georgian Pictures in the Collection of her Majesty the Queen, London 1963, p. 165, no. 475, reproduced plate 172). Recurring motifs include a pair of doves perched on a classical-style fragment and finches in a tree, all set before a distant vista onto a lake. Here, however, the oyster-catcher, partridges and quail that occupy the foreground of the Royal Collection picture, have been replaced with ornamental fowl of more colourful plumage.