Melchior de Hondecoeter (Dutch: 1636-1695).
This painter, a member of a noble family of Brabant, devoted himself to the poultry-yard, and became famous for his pictures of fowl and other birds. His compositions show a constant study of the subjects he treats. He studied first under his father, Gysbert de Hondecoeter, and afterwards under his uncle, Jan Baptist Weenix (1096).
"A beautiful brood of young chickens in the foreground. The cock was Hondecoeter's favourite bird, which he is said to have taught to stand to him in a fixed position as a model." (Official Catalogue).
203. CONVENTUAL CHARITY.
William van Herp (Flemish: 1614-1677).
Works by W. Van Herp, a member of the Painters' Guild at Antwerp, are not numerous. They show the influence of Rubens and also of Jordaens, the two leaders of the Flemish School at his time.
Franciscan friars are distributing food to the poor at the gate of a convent.
204. DUTCH SHIPPING.
Bakhuizen (Dutch: 1631-1708).