Willem Hendrik Wilhelmus van Royen

The actual painting is more colourful and stronger in tone than the catalogue illustration suggests. The canvas has an effective relining. Stretcher marks are slightly visible along the upper edge. No damages seem to be apparent. There's a fine craquelure throughout, which is slightly beginning to lift in some areas. The paint surface is generally sound, and is under a reasonably clear and shiny layer of varnish. Some small scattered retouchings relating to older paint losses can be observed, though mainly on the centre background. Inspection under UV light reveals a few additional tiny ones in the trees, and very few ones in the birds, which in general have been nicely preserved. Offered in a decorative gilt wood frame in good condition. (MW)
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The Amsterdam painter and draughtsman Van Royen mainly produced poultry scenes, such as the present work. Although he is often confused in literature with The Hague still life painter Willem Frederiksz. van Royen (circa 1645-1723), this Willem must be the Willem van Royen who is mentioned in Houbraken's biography of Melchior d'Hondecoeter (1636-1695), as both pupil and witness to the latter's lavish hangovers.¹

1. See A. Houbraken, P.T.A. Swillens (ed.), De Groote Schouburgh der Nederlantsche Konstschilders en Schilderessen, Maastricht 1953, vol. III, p. 58.