Jakob Bogdány Partridges, muskovy ducks, a juvenile herring gull and...
The Property of a Gentleman
Jakob Bogdány
Eperjes circa 1660–1724 London
Partridges, muskovy ducks, a juvenile herring gull and other birds in a landscape
signed lower right: J.Bogdani
oil on canvas
unframed: 91.2 x 108.3 cm.; 35⅞ x 42⅝ in.
framed: 98.2 x 114.6 cm.; 38⅝ x 45⅛ in.
Condition Report:
The canvas is lined. The paint surface is clean and the varnish is clear and even. A handful of small paint losses can be noted along the left margin, close to the frame, where perhaps a previous frame caused abrasion. Some minute losses can also be observed on the far right, beneath the turned head of the bird. These relate to a small tear in the canvas, measuring approximately 3 cm in length. A few retouchings, visible to the naked eye, can be observed in this area, presumably to fill in losses brought about by the disturbance to the paint surface as a result of the tear. A couple of others can also be spotted on the grass towards the centre and in the upper right corner, to strengthen some of the darks in the body of the partridge. Inspection under ultraviolet light confirms these as retouchings, while revealing others scattered throughout the composition. These are focused primarily in the body of the white gull on the far left, in the grass surrounding it and on the rock on which it is stood, in the body and legs of the black duck towards the centre, in the foliage upper centre, around the head of the bird on the far right, and along the left and upper margins. Almost all of these have been used to strengthen dark tones, which may have faded over time. Overall, the painting is in fairly good condition. It presents well and is ready to hang.
Catalogue Note:
Following his time in Amsterdam between 1684 and 1686, where he would have encountered the works of Melchior d’Hondecoeter (1636–1695), Bogdány settled in London, where his vivid still life and bird paintings were coveted by the aristocracy. Queen Mary and Queen Anne were among his clientele, and it was through Queen Anne that Bogdány met Admiral George Churchill (1654–1710), the younger brother of John, 1st Duke of Marlborough (1650–1722). Churchill had an aviary full of unusual birds at Windsor, which perhaps inspired Bogdány's fascination with accurately depicting these animals, as demonstrated in this painting. Partridges, muskovy ducks, and a juvenile herring gull, among other birds, can all be identified.
Provenance:
Private collection, Scotland;
By whom sold ('The Property of a Scottish Nobleman'), London, Sotheby's, 9 December 1992, lot 143;
Where acquired by the present owner.
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The Property of a Gentleman
Jakob Bogdány
Eperjes circa 1660–1724 London
Partridges, muskovy ducks, a juvenile herring gull and other birds in a landscape
signed lower right: J.Bogdani
oil on canvas
unframed: 91.2 x 108.3 cm.; 35⅞ x 42⅝ in.
framed: 98.2 x 114.6 cm.; 38⅝ x 45⅛ in.
Condition Report:
The canvas is lined. The paint surface is clean and the varnish is clear and even. A handful of small paint losses can be noted along the left margin, close to the frame, where perhaps a previous frame caused abrasion. Some minute losses can also be observed on the far right, beneath the turned head of the bird. These relate to a small tear in the canvas, measuring approximately 3 cm in length. A few retouchings, visible to the naked eye, can be observed in this area, presumably to fill in losses brought about by the disturbance to the paint surface as a result of the tear. A couple of others can also be spotted on the grass towards the centre and in the upper right corner, to strengthen some of the darks in the body of the partridge. Inspection under ultraviolet light confirms these as retouchings, while revealing others scattered throughout the composition. These are focused primarily in the body of the white gull on the far left, in the grass surrounding it and on the rock on which it is stood, in the body and legs of the black duck towards the centre, in the foliage upper centre, around the head of the bird on the far right, and along the left and upper margins. Almost all of these have been used to strengthen dark tones, which may have faded over time. Overall, the painting is in fairly good condition. It presents well and is ready to hang.
Catalogue Note:
Following his time in Amsterdam between 1684 and 1686, where he would have encountered the works of Melchior d’Hondecoeter (1636–1695), Bogdány settled in London, where his vivid still life and bird paintings were coveted by the aristocracy. Queen Mary and Queen Anne were among his clientele, and it was through Queen Anne that Bogdány met Admiral George Churchill (1654–1710), the younger brother of John, 1st Duke of Marlborough (1650–1722). Churchill had an aviary full of unusual birds at Windsor, which perhaps inspired Bogdány's fascination with accurately depicting these animals, as demonstrated in this painting. Partridges, muskovy ducks, and a juvenile herring gull, among other birds, can all be identified.
Provenance:
Private collection, Scotland;
By whom sold ('The Property of a Scottish Nobleman'), London, Sotheby's, 9 December 1992, lot 143;
Where acquired by the present owner.
Sale price
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
