Oil on canvas, 121cm by 135cm.
The artist was Flemish by birth and was born Jacob van de Kerkhoven in Antwerp.
He spent most of his working life in Italy and was much patronised by John, 5th Earl of Exeter (1648-1700), who purchased several of his paintings whilst in Venice.
The earl’s account book for 1684 records: ‘Pd. Giacomo for 3 pieces of beasts and birds, 25 cestin.’
The 1688 Burghley Inventory records: ‘6th Roome…..3 Pictures over the Doores of Birds and Beasts done by Jacamo di Castello.’
