Still Life With Game, Attributed To Philip Ferdinand De Hamilton (1664–1750), Hsp 32 × 24 Cm

Oil on oak panel

In a clearing at the edge of the woods, a freshly hunted hare hangs from a branch alongside a partridge, while in the foreground are several game birds and passerines: bullfinches, jays, kingfishers, and other species, all meticulously observed. Thistles, brambles, and various plant species contribute to a composition of remarkable naturalism, typical of the great Flemish tradition of hunting painting.

The scene is structured according to a particularly elegant vertical composition. The suspended hare forms the central axis of the work, while the group of birds provides a counterpoint in the foreground. The forest background, bathed in diffused light, lends depth and balance to the whole.

The quality of execution is remarkable. The hare’s fur is rendered with extreme finesse, alternating between subtle shades of warm brown, ocher, and white. The birds’ plumage reveals careful observation of each species: the bright reds of the bullfinch, the iridescent sheen of the kingfisher, and so on are rendered with great skill. The foliage and thistles, painted with almost botanical precision, further enhance the sense of realism.

The work as a whole is fully in the tradition of Flemish painters specializing in hunting trophies, of whom Philip Ferdinand de Hamilton was one of the leading representatives at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries.

The son of James Hamilton, Philip Ferdinand de Hamilton (1664–1750) enjoyed a brilliant career at the princely courts of Central Europe. Based in Vienna and later working for the Habsburgs, he specialized in hunting scenes, hunting trophies, and animals, developing an instantly recognizable style in which naturalistic precision is combined with a theatrical staging inherited from the great Flemish masters.

Our painting exhibits all the characteristics of this style: cabinet size, vertical composition, highly precise depiction of the animals, rich textures, and a warm color palette.

The panel is set in a beautiful antique blackened oak frame that harmoniously complements this cabinet painting.

Very good overall condition.