18th-century engraving, “A Concert of Birds”

Painted by Mario Di Fiori and engraved by Richard Earlom, this 18th-century print is dated 1778. The painting from which it was inspired belonged to Sir Robert Walpole, Prime Minister to George II and an avid collector. His three sons travelled throughout Italy and France in search of works of art, and he had Houghton Hall built in order to house his prestigious collection.

Richard Earlom (1743–1822) was an English engraver regarded as one of the finest specialists of the mezzotint technique.

Mario Di Fiori, whose real name was Mario Nuzzi (1603–1673), was an Italian painter specialising in floral compositions and still lifes. His famous “Concert of Birds,” unlike his usual production, depicts with virtuosity and realism numerous birds perched on branches, forming a choir around an owl acting as conductor.

An impression of this engraving is preserved in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

This work is presented in an 18th-century moulded frame, gilded and lacquered in black.

Frame dimensions: 69 cm × 86.5 cm
Sight dimensions: 40.5 cm × 57 cm