Seven Chicks — Melchior d' Hondecoeter

Melchior d' Hondecoeter. Painted c. 1665 - c. 1668.

This oil sketch of chicks affords unique insight into the working method of Melchior d'Hondecoeter, the best-known bird painter of the 17th century. He used such studies as the basis for his monumental park landscapes, which feature diverse species of birds. Depicted in this sketch are seven chicks in various poses. They were frequently reused in a ‘copy & paste’ fashion in his paintings.

From the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

canvas, oil paint (paint) · Original size: 38 × 32 cm · Purchased with the support of the M. van Poecke Family and private collectors/Rijksmuseum Fonds

Print: 38 × 32 cm, printed on Hahnemühle FineArt archival cotton paper. Museum-grade reproduction quality, true to the colours and detail of the original work.

Frame (optional): a custom-made wooden frame in a matte black finish, cut to the exact dimensions of this print, with an off-white passe-partout mat and protective glazing. Ready to hang.

Source: https://id.rijksmuseum.nl/200570362. Image released under CC0 by the Rijksmuseum.