A Brave Old Gamecock
Original painting on canvas • Signed 'L. David' (lower right); likely an 19th-century European sporting artist specializing in avian subjects
Style & Movement
European Animalier / Sporting Art
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas; fine brushwork with detailed feather rendering and glazing techniques in the sky and background foliage
Creation Period
Mid-to-late 19th Century (circa 1860-1890)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 20 x 24 inches; landscape format
Subject Description
A profile study of a gamecock standing in an open landscape against a dramatic, cloudy sky. The bird features vibrant iridescent plumage and visible steel spurs attached to its legs, identifying it as a fighting cock. The composition utilizes a low horizon line to elevate the bird's stature, common in 18th and 19th century sporting trophies.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the canvas appears tight and the paint film is stable with well-preserved colors
Estimated Market Value
$1,500 - $2,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$1,000 - $1,800 USD
Provenance History
Private collection; the signature 'L. David' suggests a regional European professional artist of the 19th century
Art Historical Significance
Representative of the 19th-century tradition of sporting art, which documented prized animals and field sports for the gentry and rural middle class. It demonstrates the technical transition from Romanticism to a more detailed Realism in animal portrayal.
Notable Features
The inclusion of artificial metal spurs on the bird’s legs is a specific iconographic detail relating to the history of cockfighting; the 'L. David' signature is clearly visible in the bottom right corner.
Condition Issues
Fine age-related craquelure visible in the lighter areas of the sky; slight surface grime; minor frame rubbing along the edges
Conservation Recommendations
Professional surface cleaning by a qualified conservator and application of a fresh conservation-grade varnish to enhance saturation; maintain in a climate-controlled environment away from direct UV light