| Method | Mezzotint |
| Artist | Richard Earlom after Mario Nuzzi |
| Published | Published Decr. 1st. 1778 by John Boydell Engraver in Cheapside London. |
| Dimensions | Image 355 x 570 mm, Plate 413 x 572 mm, Sheet 492 x 665 mm |
| Notes |
A large scale mezzotint depicting a group of domestic and exotic birds perched awkwardly on top of branches. In the centre of the image an owl stands atop a smaller branch with a book of sheet music open below, the other birds have open beaks giving the appearance of singing in unison. In the background are some mountains by a coast, and a small town. From the 'Houghton Gallery' series (1774-88), 162 prints after paintings in Robert Walpole's collection, sold in 1779 to Catherine the Great. Richard Earlom (1743 - 1822) was a British painter, draughtsman and printmaker. He was born in London, and was apprenticed to Giovanni Battista Cipriani after he was discovered making sketches of the Lord Mayor's coach. This natural faculty for art manifested throughout Earlom's career, and he is believed to have taught himself the technique of mezzotint. In 1765, Earlom went to work for John Boydell, who commissioned the artist to produce a large series of works from Sir Robert Walpole's collection at Houghton Hall. This pair of mezzotints constituted part of this series. His works after van Huysum, as well as the still-life painter Jan van Os, are widely recognised as his most striking. Mario Nuzzi (1603–1673), who also went by the pseudonym, Mario de' Fiori, was an Italian painter in the Baroque style. He is most known for his paintings of floral arrangements, hence the use of his pseudonym "Fiori" meaning "flowers". Le Blanc 51, Wessely 139, Lennox-Boyd iii/iii Condition: Small repaired tear to right margin, not affecting image. |
| Framing | unmounted |
| Price | £1,000.00 |
| Stock ID | 51301 |