Herons and ducks by a streamlet, oil on panel, 21.8 x 29.2 cm, framed

Dr Klaus Ertz will publish the present painting in his catalogue raisonné of the paintings by Jan van Kessel, to be published, as a fully autograph work by the artist.

A grandson of Jan Brueghel the Elder and nephew of Jan Brueghel the Younger and David Teniers the Younger, Jan van Kessel the Elder was rather more under the influence of his grandfather and uncles than under that of his master, Simon de Vos. The artist specialized primarily in the depiction of animals, birds, amphibians, and insects, which he added first and foremost to compositions dealing with the four elements or the four seasons. But they also appear in his pictures illustrating fables and in his smaller-sized works. Jan van Kessel was one of the most important flower painters of his century. His roses, mostly rendered in pink, and his tulips are assembled into bouquets with a meticulous sense of detail. This accuracy can also be observed in his still lifes encompassing figures and such objects as plates, baskets, and vases. The delicacy of his works and his strong, vivid colours make Jan van Kessel one of the most acclaimed Flemish painters of his time.