Accessibility statement

Still life and animal paintings

Marmadule Cradock 1660-1717

A Peacock and Other Birds in a Landscape about 1700
Oil on canvas
Purchased 1991
T06488

This composition of turkeys, rock doves, a peacock and a jay appears to be carefully observed. The movement caused by the predatory fox trying to enter the dovecote adds an element of excitement. The central focus of the painting is the peacock, a rare, exotic and expensive bird from the Far East.

Is the painting simply intended to be ornamental, or could it have deeper significance?

still life: peacock