{"title":"Nicolas Robert: Paintings \u0026 Watercolors","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"robert-nicolas-1614-1685-or-school-of-chevalier-combattant-philomachus-pugnax-paris-third-quarter-17th-century","title":"Robert, Nicolas (French, 1614-1685) or school of Chevalier combattant (Philomachus pugnax). Paris: 17th-century.","description":"\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\"\u003eROBERT, Nicolas (1614-1685), or school of Chevalier combattant (Philomachus pugnax). Paris: third quarter 17th-century.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\"\u003e$165,000.00\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\"\u003eSingle sheet, vellum (14 4\/8 x 12 inches), fine original graphite, watercolour and guache drawing of a Ruff, surrounded by a border of liquid gold, and numbered \"167\" in pencil lower right.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\"\u003eProvenance: with Christie's Paris, 1st April, 2016, lot 41\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\"\u003eNicolas Robert was one of the greatest natural history artists of the seventeenth century, and his work established standards combining scientific accuracy and aesthetic appeal that influenced generations of artists and won the respect and patronage of the French royal family.  \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\"\u003eRobert created a vast, exquisite body of work for the French Crown. Along with other artists,  Robert was commissioned by Gaston d'Orleans, brother of Louis XIII, to create watercolors of the rare plants and exotic birds he had assembled in his garden at Blois and the Ménagerie at Versailles.  Robert's talent was recognized quickly as being superior to that of other artists working for the royal family, and after Gaston d'Orleans's death, he was quickly placed under the patronage of the Sun King, Louis XIV.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\"\u003eAs a reward for the stunning works he painted for the king's personal collection, Robert was named inches Peintre Ordinaire du Roiinches in 1666, a title that confirmed his continuing fame and patronage. Robert was the first significant contributor to a collection of fine watercolors on vellum that became known, collectively, as the Velins du Roi (the King's Vellums).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe watercolors Robert completed under Gaston d'Orleans and then Louis XIV for the royal collection fed the interest and provided the inspiration for the great masters of botanical and ornithological art who followed: Jean Joubert, Nicholas Marechal, Gerard van Spaendonck and, of course, Pierre-Joseph Redouté. Thus the extremely fine print work of Parisian natural historians and flower painters as late as 1825 can be traced directly back to the strength of Robert's tradition.Recognising the greatness of the Velins, Napoleon Bonaparte continued work on this monumental and exquisite undertaking and these remarkable works were probably completed by Robert under his patronage. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\"\u003eFor more information about this work, or other watercolors in the Arader Galleries collection, please contact Alison Petretti at 646.673.4505 or by email alisonpetretti@aradergalleries.com\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"aradernyc","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31140971380780,"sku":"SQ3205038","price":85000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1156\/7956\/products\/nicolas_robert_ou_son_atelier_chevalier_combattant_d5984208g_6c8736fb-72d4-46e1-90d5-48641be9b616.jpg?v=1574546750"},{"product_id":"robert-nicolas-1614-1685-or-school-of-passerin-nonpareil-sur-une-branche-passerina-ciris-paris-third-quarter-17th-century","title":"Robert, Nicolas (French, 1614-1685). Painted Bunting On A Branch [Passerin nonpareil sur une branche (Passerina Ciris)]  Pencil, watercolor and gouache, on vellum, with gold border","description":"\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eNICOLAS ROBERT (FRENCH, 1614-1685)\u003cbr\u003ePainted Bunting On A Branch [Passerin nonpareil sur une branche (Passerina Ciris)]\u003cbr\u003eNumbered ‘48’\u003cbr\u003ePencil, watercolor and gouache, on vellum, with gold border\u003cbr\u003eca. 1675\u003cbr\u003eVellum size: 15 1\/8 x 11 1\/8 in.\u003cbr\u003eProvenance: Private collection, France.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e$28,000.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eNicolas Robert was one of the greatest natural history artists of the seventeenth century, and his work established standards combining scientific accuracy and aesthetic appeal that influenced generations of artists and won the respect and patronage of the French royal family.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eRobert created a vast, exquisite body of work for the French Crown. Along with other artists,  Robert was commissioned by Gaston d'Orleans, brother of Louis XIII, to create watercolors of the rare plants and exotic birds he had assembled in his garden at Blois and the Ménagerie at Versailles.  Robert's talent was recognized quickly as being superior to that of other artists working for the royal family, and after Gaston d'Orleans's death, he was quickly placed under the patronage of the Sun King, Louis XIV.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAs a reward for the stunning works he painted for the king's personal collection, Robert was named inches Peintre Ordinaire du Roiinches in 1666, a title that confirmed his continuing fame and patronage. Robert was the first significant contributor to a collection of fine watercolors on vellum that became known, collectively, as the Velins du Roi (the King's Vellums).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe watercolors Robert completed under Gaston d'Orleans and then Louis XIV for the royal collection fed the interest and provided the inspiration for the great masters of botanical and ornithological art who followed: Jean Joubert, Nicholas Marechal, Gerard van Spaendonck and, of course, Pierre-Joseph Redouté. Thus the extremely fine print work of Parisian natural historians and flower painters as late as 1825 can be traced directly back to the strength of Robert's tradition.Recognising the greatness of the Velins, Napoleon Bonaparte continued work on this monumental and exquisite undertaking and these remarkable works were probably completed by Robert under his patronage. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFor more information about this work, or other watercolors in the Arader Galleries collection, please contact Alison Petretti at 646.673.4505 or by email alisonpetretti@aradergalleries.com\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"aradernyc","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31140974493740,"sku":"SQ7768481","price":75000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1156\/7956\/products\/nicolas-robert-passerin-nonpareil-sur-une-branche-_passerina-ciris.jpg?v=1574546741"},{"product_id":"nicolas-robert-french-1614-1685-pair-of-african-yellow-rumped-singers-couple-de-chanteurs-d-afrique-a-croupion-jaune-serinus-atrogularis","title":"Nicolas Robert (French, 1614-1685), Pair of African Yellow-rumped Singers [Couple de chanteurs d’Afrique à croupion jaune (Serinus atrogularis)]","description":"\n      \u003cp\u003eNicolas Robert (French, 1614-1685) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePair of African Yellow-rumped Singers [Couple de chanteurs d’Afrique à croupion jaune (Serinus atrogularis)]\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eNumbered ‘49’\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePencil, watercolor and gouache, on vellum, with gold border\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eca. 1675\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eVellum size: 15 1\/4 x 11 5\/8 in.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eProvenance: Private collection, France. . \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNicolas Robert (French, 1614-1685)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eNicolas Robert was one of the greatest natural history artists of the 17th century. His work established standards combining scientific accuracy and aesthetic appeal that influenced generations of artists and won the French royal family’s respect and patronage. Robert created a magnificent body of work for the French Crown. He was the first significant contributor to a collection of delicate watercolors on vellum that collectively became known as the Velins du Roi (the King’s Vellums). The watercolors Robert completed under Gaston d’Orleans and then Louis XIV for the royal collection fed the interest and provided the inspiration for the great masters of botanical and ornithological art who followed: Jean Joubert, Nicholas Marechal, Gerard van Spaendonck and Pierre-Joseph Redouté.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRobert’s first major commission was provided by Baron Sainte-Maure in 1641, to create the celebrated Guirlande de Julie, a book of watercolors on vellum of flowers inscribed with madrigals, which was to be a gift to the Baron’s betrothed, Julie d’ Agennes.  In 1645, the artist entered the service of Gaston d’Orléans, the brother of Louis XIII.  A passionate botanist, Gaston employed several artists to make watercolors of the rare plants that he had assembled in his garden at Blois.  At first, Daniel Rabel seems to have been the principal artist, but Robert’s superior talent was quickly recognized.  By the time of Gaston’s death in 1660, Robert was responsible for the contents of five large folio albums of vélins or vellums.  After Gaston’s death, Robert was invited by Louis XIV to continue his work in Paris at the Jardin du Roi and Versailles. The King’s minister, Colbert, who appointed Robert Peintre ordinaire du Roi pour la miniature in 1666, added to this collection through a contract requiring the artist to paint a minimum of 54 vélins every year.  Undoubtedly, Robert must have employed studio assistants to execute, at least in part, some of the seven hundred vélins produced, including Claude Aubriet (1665-1742) and Jean Joubert (1643-1707).  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHowever, the present vellums are of such exceptional quality that they are the master’s work. From 3 to 5 mm, gold borders, visible on these drawings, correspond with those executed for Robert’s vellum of royal collections now preserved in the Musée d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris. Their vellums form the nucleus of the group of more than six thousand sheets known as the Vélins du Muséum (formerly the Vélins du Roi) that Louis XIV inherited from Gaston d’Orléans.  Additional Robert vellums can be found in the Metropolitan Museum collections in New York, at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, and at the Hofbibliothek in Vienna.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThey were likely executed for noble patrons, these stunning ornithological watercolors date from around the time of Robert’s period in Louis XIV court. The birds are defined with subtle modulations of delicate hues, and the simple yet monumental compositions combine flawless artistry with Robert’s exceptional attention to scientific precision. It is a remarkable opportunity to obtain original, unique works by a highly influential and exceptionally talented artist. The brilliance that made the Sun King recognize Robert as the preeminent watercolorist of his day is still evident in these well-preserved works.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n    ","brand":"Arader Galleries","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39999249449004,"sku":"","price":28000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1156\/7956\/products\/robertbirdwc_PairofAfricanYellowrumpedSingersCoupledechanteursdAfriqueacroupionjaune_1024x1024_950a3517-6d23-4dc1-aedc-9e531abc9278.jpg?v=1643822899"},{"product_id":"nicolas-robert-french-1614-1685-red-headed-lovebird-inseperable-a-tete-rouge-agapornis-pullaris","title":"Robert, Nicolas (French, 1614-1685). Red-headed Lovebird [Inseperable a tete rouge (Agapornis pullaris)]","description":"\n      \u003cp\u003eNicolas Robert (French, 1614-1685) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRed-headed Lovebird [Inseperable a tete rouge (Agapornis pullaris)]\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eNumbered ‘222’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePencil, watercolor and gouache, on vellum, with gold border\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eca. 1675\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eVellum size: 12 3\/4 x 9 3\/4 in.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eProvenance: Private collection, France.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNicolas Robert (French, 1614-1685)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eNicolas Robert was one of the greatest natural history artists of the 17th century. His work established standards combining scientific accuracy and aesthetic appeal that influenced generations of artists and won the French royal family’s respect and patronage. Robert created a magnificent body of work for the French Crown. He was the first significant contributor to a collection of delicate watercolors on vellum that collectively became known as the Velins du Roi (the King’s Vellums). The watercolors Robert completed under Gaston d’Orleans and then Louis XIV for the royal collection fed the interest and provided the inspiration for the great masters of botanical and ornithological art who followed: Jean Joubert, Nicholas Marechal, Gerard van Spaendonck and Pierre-Joseph Redouté.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRobert’s first major commission was provided by Baron Sainte-Maure in 1641, to create the celebrated Guirlande de Julie, a book of watercolors on vellum of flowers inscribed with madrigals, which was to be a gift to the Baron’s betrothed, Julie d’ Agennes.  In 1645, the artist entered the service of Gaston d’Orléans, the brother of Louis XIII.  A passionate botanist, Gaston employed several artists to make watercolors of the rare plants that he had assembled in his garden at Blois.  At first, Daniel Rabel seems to have been the principal artist, but Robert’s superior talent was quickly recognized.  By the time of Gaston’s death in 1660, Robert was responsible for the contents of five large folio albums of vélins or vellums.  After Gaston’s death, Robert was invited by Louis XIV to continue his work in Paris at the Jardin du Roi and Versailles. The King’s minister, Colbert, who appointed Robert Peintre ordinaire du Roi pour la miniature in 1666, added to this collection through a contract requiring the artist to paint a minimum of 54 vélins every year.  Undoubtedly, Robert must have employed studio assistants to execute, at least in part, some of the seven hundred vélins produced, including Claude Aubriet (1665-1742) and Jean Joubert (1643-1707).  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHowever, the present vellums are of such exceptional quality that they are the master’s work. From 3 to 5 mm, gold borders, visible on these drawings, correspond with those executed for Robert’s vellum of royal collections now preserved in the Musée d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris. Their vellums form the nucleus of the group of more than six thousand sheets known as the Vélins du Muséum (formerly the Vélins du Roi) that Louis XIV inherited from Gaston d’Orléans.  Additional Robert vellums can be found in the Metropolitan Museum collections in New York, at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, and at the Hofbibliothek in Vienna.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThey were likely executed for noble patrons, these stunning ornithological watercolors date from around the time of Robert’s period in Louis XIV court. The birds are defined with subtle modulations of delicate hues, and the simple yet monumental compositions combine flawless artistry with Robert’s exceptional attention to scientific precision. It is a remarkable opportunity to obtain original, unique works by a highly influential and exceptionally talented artist. The brilliance that made the Sun King recognize Robert as the preeminent watercolorist of his day is still evident in these well-preserved works.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n    ","brand":"Arader Galleries","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39999252693036,"sku":"","price":35000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1156\/7956\/products\/robertbirdwc_RedheadedLovebirdInseperableateterougeAgapornispullaris_1024x1024_6e44868a-2f63-408d-a90f-97a61d85c45c.jpg?v=1643822945"},{"product_id":"robert-nicolas-french-1614-1685-northern-cardinal-female","title":"ROBERT, Nicolas (French, 1614-1685), Northern Cardinal (Female)","description":"\u003cp\u003eROBERT, Nicolas (French, 1614-1685).\u003cbr\u003eNorthern Cardinal (Female).\u003cbr\u003ePencil, watercolor and gouache, on vellum, with gold border.\u003cbr\u003eca.1675.\u003cbr\u003e16 1\/2” x 12 1\/8\" vellum, 20 1\/2\" x 24 3\/4\" framed.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Northern Cardinal It is the state bird of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e--------------------\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNicolas Robert was one of the greatest natural history artists of the 17th century. His work established standards combining scientific accuracy and aesthetic appeal that influenced generations of artists and won the French royal family’s respect and patronage. Robert created a magnificent body of work for the French Crown. He was the first significant contributor to a collection of delicate watercolors on vellum that collectively became known as the Velins du Roi (the King’s Vellums). The watercolors Robert completed under Gaston d’Orleans and then Louis XIV for the royal collection fed the interest and provided the inspiration for the great masters of botanical and ornithological art who followed: Jean Joubert, Nicholas Marechal, Gerard van Spaendonck and Pierre-Joseph Redouté.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRobert’s first major commission was provided by Baron Sainte-Maure in 1641, to create the celebrated Guirlande de Julie, a book of watercolors on vellum of flowers inscribed with madrigals, which was to be a gift to the Baron’s betrothed, Julie d’ Agennes.  In 1645, the artist entered the service of Gaston d’Orléans, the brother of Louis XIII.  A passionate botanist, Gaston employed several artists to make watercolors of the rare plants that he had assembled in his garden at Blois.  At first, Daniel Rabel seems to have been the principal artist, but Robert’s superior talent was quickly recognized.  By the time of Gaston’s death in 1660, Robert was responsible for the contents of five large folio albums of vélins or vellums.  After Gaston’s death, Robert was invited by Louis XIV to continue his work in Paris at the Jardin du Roi and Versailles. The King’s minister, Colbert, who appointed Robert Peintre ordinaire du Roi pour la miniature in 1666, added to this collection through a contract requiring the artist to paint a minimum of 54 vélins every year.  Undoubtedly, Robert must have employed studio assistants to execute, at least in part, some of the seven hundred vélins produced, including Claude Aubriet (1665-1742) and Jean Joubert (1643-1707).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"aradernyc","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46328509661228,"sku":null,"price":250000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1156\/7956\/files\/30.jpg?v=1791083236"},{"product_id":"robert-nicolas-french-1614-1685-female-northern-bobwhite-colinus-virginianus-virginia-quial","title":"ROBERT, Nicolas (French, 1614-1685), Female Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) [Virginia Quial]","description":"\u003cp\u003eROBERT, Nicolas (French, 1614-1685).\u003cbr\u003eFemale Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) [Virginia Quial].\u003cbr\u003ePencil, watercolor and gouache, on vellum, with gold border.\u003cbr\u003eca. 1675.\u003cbr\u003e12\" x 13 1\/4\" vellum, 24 5\/8\" x 20 5\/8\" framed.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eProvenance: Collection of Marcel Jeanson.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe northern bobwhite is native to the American Atlantic coast from Virginia to northern Florida.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e--------------------\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNicolas Robert was one of the greatest natural history artists of the 17th century. His work established standards combining scientific accuracy and aesthetic appeal that influenced generations of artists and won the French royal family’s respect and patronage. Robert created a magnificent body of work for the French Crown. He was the first significant contributor to a collection of delicate watercolors on vellum that collectively became known as the Velins du Roi (the King’s Vellums). The watercolors Robert completed under Gaston d’Orleans and then Louis XIV for the royal collection fed the interest and provided the inspiration for the great masters of botanical and ornithological art who followed: Jean Joubert, Nicholas Marechal, Gerard van Spaendonck and Pierre-Joseph Redouté.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRobert’s first major commission was provided by Baron Sainte-Maure in 1641, to create the celebrated Guirlande de Julie, a book of watercolors on vellum of flowers inscribed with madrigals, which was to be a gift to the Baron’s betrothed, Julie d’ Agennes.  In 1645, the artist entered the service of Gaston d’Orléans, the brother of Louis XIII.  A passionate botanist, Gaston employed several artists to make watercolors of the rare plants that he had assembled in his garden at Blois.  At first, Daniel Rabel seems to have been the principal artist, but Robert’s superior talent was quickly recognized.  By the time of Gaston’s death in 1660, Robert was responsible for the contents of five large folio albums of vélins or vellums.  After Gaston’s death, Robert was invited by Louis XIV to continue his work in Paris at the Jardin du Roi and Versailles. The King’s minister, Colbert, who appointed Robert Peintre ordinaire du Roi pour la miniature in 1666, added to this collection through a contract requiring the artist to paint a minimum of 54 vélins every year.  Undoubtedly, Robert must have employed studio assistants to execute, at least in part, some of the seven hundred vélins produced, including Claude Aubriet (1665-1742) and Jean Joubert (1643-1707).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"aradernyc","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46328509792300,"sku":null,"price":135000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1156\/7956\/files\/31.jpg?v=1791083238"},{"product_id":"robert-nicolas-french-1614-1685-eastern-wild-turkey-young-male-meleagris-gallopavo-silvestris","title":"ROBERT, Nicolas (French, 1614-1685), Eastern wild turkey [Young Male] (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris)","description":"\u003cp\u003eROBERT, Nicolas (French, 1614-1685).\u003cbr\u003eEastern wild turkey [Young Male] (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris)\u003cbr\u003eWatercolor and gouache on vellum.\u003cbr\u003eInscribed lower right: ‘34’.\u003cbr\u003eca. 1675.\u003cbr\u003e14 5\/8\" x 11 5\/8\" vellum, 8\" x 19 5\/8\" framed.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eProvenance: Collection of Marcel Jeanson, Sold Sotheby’s, London, December 13, 1996, Lot 18, The Chinese Porcelain Company.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eYoung male jake of an Eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) which was the first species of turkey encountered by Europeans in America.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRobert’s painting of the turkey speaks to the courtly interest in this bird in France. Spanish explorers brought domesticated turkeys from Mexico to Europe around 1519. From Spain, the turkey’s journey across Europe was quick, arriving in Italy and Germany by 1530, and then in France in 1538. The turkey soon became a favorite at French royal courts and was featured in many dishes, known initially as “poulet d’Inde,” or “chicken of India.” By the 1540s, Turkeys had become more common.  Although it remained a delicacy for banquets, for example, turkey was served at the 1549 banquet in Paris to celebrate the coronation of Queen Catherine de’ Medici.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e--------------------\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNicolas Robert was one of the greatest natural history artists of the 17th century. His work established standards combining scientific accuracy and aesthetic appeal that influenced generations of artists and won the French royal family’s respect and patronage. Robert created a magnificent body of work for the French Crown. He was the first significant contributor to a collection of delicate watercolors on vellum that collectively became known as the Velins du Roi (the King’s Vellums). The watercolors Robert completed under Gaston d’Orleans and then Louis XIV for the royal collection fed the interest and provided the inspiration for the great masters of botanical and ornithological art who followed: Jean Joubert, Nicholas Marechal, Gerard van Spaendonck and Pierre-Joseph Redouté.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRobert’s first major commission was provided by Baron Sainte-Maure in 1641, to create the celebrated Guirlande de Julie, a book of watercolors on vellum of flowers inscribed with madrigals, which was to be a gift to the Baron’s betrothed, Julie d’ Agennes.  In 1645, the artist entered the service of Gaston d’Orléans, the brother of Louis XIII.  A passionate botanist, Gaston employed several artists to make watercolors of the rare plants that he had assembled in his garden at Blois.  At first, Daniel Rabel seems to have been the principal artist, but Robert’s superior talent was quickly recognized.  By the time of Gaston’s death in 1660, Robert was responsible for the contents of five large folio albums of vélins or vellums.  After Gaston’s death, Robert was invited by Louis XIV to continue his work in Paris at the Jardin du Roi and Versailles. The King’s minister, Colbert, who appointed Robert Peintre ordinaire du Roi pour la miniature in 1666, added to this collection through a contract requiring the artist to paint a minimum of 54 vélins every year.  Undoubtedly, Robert must have employed studio assistants to execute, at least in part, some of the seven hundred vélins produced, including Claude Aubriet (1665-1742) and Jean Joubert (1643-1707).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"aradernyc","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46328509890604,"sku":null,"price":55000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1156\/7956\/files\/32.jpg?v=1791083240"}],"url":"https:\/\/aradernyc.com\/collections\/as-robert.oembed","provider":"Arader Galleries","version":"1.0","type":"link"}