22
School of Jan Fyt (1611-1661), Flemish
PHEASANTS (ON A TABLE WITH PLUMS)
Oil on canvas. Previously given to Hondecoeter in an old written document accompanying the lot
24" x 32.5" — 61 x 82.6 cm.
Estimate $3,000-$4,000
Realised: $600
Price Includes Buyer's Premium
About artist/note:
This lot is accompanied by a letter from Geo. (rge) Alfred Meagher (1866-1930), a Canadian born artist specializing in watercolour. The accompanying typed letter from Mr. Meagher dated April 9th, 1920 addressed to Geo. R. Donovan, Esq., Toronto provides an opinion he and “Mr. Bell-Smith” certified this work as a very fine Hondecoeter. According to Mr. Bell-Smith, “... all the artists in the world to-day, could not paint a White Pheasant as well as it is painted in this picture.... “
By 1700, Dutch, Flemish, German, and French specialties had become less clearly distinguishable, with Dutch painters working for foreign princes and the market for still lifes growing throughout Europe. This still life has German newspaper clippings attached to the stretcher.
Provenance:
With Geo. R. Donovan Esq., Toronto in 1920