Ruffs and Reeves (Primary Title)
James Sillett, English, 1764 - 1840 (Artist)
Ruffs and reeves are male and female birds belonging to the European sandpiper family. During their mating season, the male develops a circle of billowy feathers, or a ruff, around its neck. The birds were considered a delicacy by 19th-century sportsmen, as well as showy specimens for artists such as Sillett.
Signed and dated lower right, "J Sillett 1824."
Significant pentimenti (of more birds) visible in the middleground. Label on stretcher inscribed "Ruffs and Reeves Painting from nature by Sellett (sic). / Bought at Norwich of W. Boswell, August/ 1892, by G.D. London Street, Norwich."
Paul Mellon Collection
2018-2019: "A Sporting Vision: The Paul Mellon Collection of British Sporting Art from the VMFA", National Sporting Museum & Library, Middleburg, VA, April 13 - July 22, 2018; Frist Art Museum, Nashville, TN, February 2 - May 5, 2019; Frick Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, June 15 - September 8, 2019
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC
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