Still Life
With a Bird

unknown Dutch artist

The late 18th - early 19th century

22.5 x 27 cm, framed 29.5 x 34 cm

Oil on canvas

17th century Amsterdam school

Private collection

findart In the second half of the 17th century, still lifes with dead game became widespread, reflecting the hobby of wealthy burghers. In Amsterdam, Haarlem, and Delft, still lifes of a small format with carefully written details were especially popular.

Apparently, the beginning of this type of still life was made by Rembrandt, who painted the painting “A Dead Bittern”.

The recognized master of hunting still life was Willem van Aelst, also known as a master of “floral” and “luxurious” still lifes. He depicted the dead game lying on a marble table or hanging in a stone niche.

findart This still life is a prime example of the continuation of the 17th century Amsterdam School's traditions. It combines the features of genre scenes in a niche and kitchen-hunting still lifes, which makes it an excellent example of a painting of that time.