Oil on canvas, 122cm by 169cm. Signed: DAVID. DE CONINCK f.
This painting, purchased by John, 5th Earl of Exeter (1648-1700), in Rome, circa 1684 is in the 1688 Burghley Inventory: ‘The Passage by ye Hall Stairs….1 peice of Doggs & wild Catts by — ‘
The Flemish-born artist was an accomplished painter of animals and birds in landscape settings.
He often depicted scenes of great activity, with fighting cats and dogs, packs of dogs attacking game and birds of prey attacking poultry.
He had a studio in Rome from 1671-1694 and was patronised by the 5th Earl who made several purchases of outstanding works by him.
