Melchior de Hondecoeter was born into a family of artists and studied with his father, Gysbert de Hondecoeter, and his uncle, Jan Baptist Weenix. From 1659 to 1663 he lived in The Hague, and then moved to Amsterdam, where he spent the rest of his life.

de Hondecoeter's specialty was the depiction of poultry, waterfowl, and exotic birds; he was known in the nineteenth century as the 'Raphael of bird painters.' He dramatically emphasized the color and texture of their plumage, and carefully observed the postures and movements unique to specific species.

His compositions were often set in farmyards, courtyards and elegant parks, or were more isolated game and hunting scenes. de Hondecoeter output was prolific and, as...