Gijsbert Gillisz. d'Hondecoeter

1603 – 1653

Chickens, Chicks, a Cockerel and Ducks in a Landscape

Medium:

Oil on Panel

Category:

Bird and Animal

Dimensions:

44(h) x 74(w) cms

Framed Dimensions:

53(h) x 83(w) cms

Essay:

While details of the artist's life are scarce, it is clear that his output was prolific. Many of his paintings show the influence of his father Gillis Claesz de Hondecoeter and his brother Gillis de Hondecoeter. He tended to specialize in anmal and bird paintings in the manner of his relatives and Roelandt Savery, yet his work displays a strong individuality. He evidently passed on this quality to his son Melchior d'Hondecoeter, who was to become the finest painter of birds in 17th Century Holland and internationally renowned for his animal compositions.

Gijsbert Gillisz. was born in Utrecht and died in the same city, having spent most of his working life in Amsterdam. It remains unclear whether or not he was a member of the Guild there, but he is recorded as a member of the Utrecht Guild in 1630.

Provenance:

Private Collection, France