Oil on canvas, 151cm by 134.5cm. Signed l.c.l.: IVDK.
The artist, a Fleming by birth, was born Jacob van de Kerkhoven in Antwerp.
However, he spent most of his working life in Italy and was much patronised by John, 5th Earl of Exeter (1648-1700).
The earl’s account book for 1684 records: ‘Pd. Giacomo for 3 pieces of beasts and birds, 25 cestini.’
The 1688 Burghley Inventory records: ‘6th Roome…..3 Pictures over the Doores of Birds and Beasts done by Jacamo di Castello.’
