Concert of Birds
c. 1660-1670 National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
About this artwork
An oil on panel painting depicting a vast assembly of various bird species gathered within a lush, wooded landscape near a pond. It is attributed to the circle of the Flemish painter Jan van Kessel the Elder, known for his detailed natural history subjects.
Did you know?
The 'Concert of Birds' motif was a popular genre in 17th-century Northern European art, often serving as an allegory for musical harmony or a sophisticated display of the collector's knowledge of natural history. These paintings were frequently inspired by contemporary illustrated ornithological treatises, combining real observation with artistic imagination to create a 'Noah's Ark' of avian diversity.
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Concert of Birds
Jan van Kessel, c. 1660-1670
