Oil on canvas, 110.5cm by 135cm.
A Fleming by birth, da Castello spent most of his working life in Italy.
He was much patronised by John, 5th Earl of Exeter(1648-1700), who purchased this painting in Padua.
His account book for 1684 records: ‘Pd Giacomo for 3 pieces of beasts and birds, 25 zechini.’
The 1688 Burghley Inventory records: ‘6th Roome…..3 Pictures over the Doores of Birds and Beasts done by Jacamo di Castello.’
