17th C. Dutch Painting of a Flock of Chickens, Attrib. to Melchior Hondecoeter

Measuring 56 H x 67 W, this large Dutch oil on canvas painting from the 1700s depicts a Southern landscape of a glen beneath a rocky cliff. The expansive valley stretches far into the distance, before terminating at a lake in front of a mountain. Numerous flocks of sheep can be seen throughout the basin, including a group high up on the towering cliff with green trees dotting the sand-colored rock. Most of the flocks in the distance are being tended to by shepherds, but interestingly, a group of four men has gathered in the foreground to engage in leisurely activities as their sheep, cows, goat, and dog await nearby. A few chateaus can be seen in the distance, but most of the architecture is in the style of a capriccio, in that they are dilapidated. The top of a stone obelisk is missing and there are some losses to the inscribed pedestal next to it that supports a lidded urn. Large pieces of broken rock are scattered about, with one slab being used as a seat/table for two shepherds playing cards. Several birds fly in the blue sky, with the setting sun giving the clouds hues of gray, orange, and pink. The peaceful scene is surrounded by a brown wood frame with a thin undulating gilt border that edges the canvas. Our large Dutch painting...

After the original 17th-century by the famed Flemish painter, David Teniers II (usually referred to as “David Teniers the Younger”, as his father David Teniers the Elder was also an accomplished painter), this fabulous painting depicts a vibrant scene, both in color and theme. Our version, which was painted in the 1700s, is by an unknown, but very talented artist. The painting is surrounded by a giltwood frame with two layers of beading. Both Teniers were known for developing the “peasant genre” or “tavern scene”, where members of the working class were shown actively celebrating life. The earthy tones of the interior of the inn (brown and beige) are offset by citizens in brightly colored attire consisting of green, red, black, and gray. The scene is divided into two rooms, with seven patrons (mostly men) gathered around a barrel table in front of a very large fireplace. Two of the men are playing cards and there are two tankards visible. The calmness of this group is a drastic difference from the 11 people gathered in the foreground. A man in blue stands on top of a wine barrel table...