English or Flemish school, 19th century.

English or Flemish school, 19th century.
"Still life of hunting", 1874.
Oil on canvas.
Signed W.A (illegible) and dated.
Presents faults and perforations, faults in the frame.
Period frame.
Measurements: 91 x 71 cm; 117 x 98 cm (frame).

This painting, of Flemish or English school, is inspired by the hunting still lifes of Flemish school of the Baroque period. The birds hang from a nail or are placed on a mat next to a hunting horn. They were a particular subgenre within still life painting. Along with the technical skill in the representation of textures, there is a symbolism related to the theme of vanitas and social status. The precision of the feathers, their textures, and the dramatism achieved with the handling of light stand out.