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1 of 253523 objects
Head of a European pelican 1635
Watercolour and bodycolour over black chalk | 35.5 x 54.4 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 919437
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A drawing of the head of a Great White Pelican. This watercolour does not have the brown border of the Cassiano mount, so it may not come from the Dal Pozzo collection. The pelican is an occasional visitor to the coast of Italy. This bird had been shot in marshes near Rome and brought to Cassiano in 1635. He commissioned a study of the whole pelican, together with a life-size detail of the head. Cassiano then had the bird dissected, and made detailed notes of its appearance. On measuring the capacity of the pouch Cassiano found that it could contain ‘fourteen pounds of water easily’.
Provenance
Commissioned by Cassiano dal Pozzo; from whose heirs purchased by Pope Clement XI, 1703; his nephew, Cardinal Alessandro Albani, 1721; from whom bought by George III, 1762 and thence by descent to King George V (dispersed from Royal Library between the two World Wars); London art market (most via dealer Jacob Mendelson); by Sir Rex Nan Kivell (partner of the Redfern Galleries on Cork Street); presented to Queen Elizabeth II in 1976-77
As part of ongoing provenance research, this work has been identified as having uncertain or incomplete provenance for the years 1933–45. Royal Collection Trust welcomes information and assistance in the investigation and clarification of the provenance of all works during that era. -
Creator(s)
Acquirer(s)
Commissioner(s)
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Medium and techniques
Watercolour and bodycolour over black chalk
Measurements
35.5 x 54.4 cm (sheet of paper)
Other number(s)
RL 19437
