White Cockatoo and other Birds

The picture depicts a cockatoo and other ornamental birds in a park setting reminiscent of the still lifes of Jan Weenix (cf. Jan Weenix P59) and of Hondecoeter’s bird pieces (cf. Hondecoeter P64). The decorative tonality and subject matter, recalling the pastimes of the elegant elite, are calculated to appeal to aristocratic taste. Richard Wallace bought the painting, with the pendant piece P67, for the 4th Marquess of Hertford at Von Stolberg’s sale in Hanover, they were attributed to Jan Weenix, one of Lord Hertford’s favourite Dutch artists.