Parrot on a Ring

Gallery 361, European Art 1500-1850, third floor

Main Building

Parrot on a Ring

1745-1770

Artist/maker unknown, Dutch

Ceramic parrots are among the most realistic and prevalent of the various bird figurines produced in Delft. Their popularity was perhaps due to the interest of Mary II, wife of William of Orange and queen of England, in aviaries. From about 1650, well-to-do Dutch families kept live parrots, which were appreciated as curiosities. Their cages were often hung high, close to the ceiling, and contained a stick or ring for the bird. Ceramic parrots like this one were a cheaper, decorative substitute for live birds.

Gallery 361, European Art 1500-1850, third floor

Object Details

Title:

Parrot on a Ring

Date:

1745-1770

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Dutch

Medium:

Tin-glazed earthenware with overglaze polychrome decoration

Dimensions:

4 3/8 x 6 3/4 inches (11.1 x 17.1 cm)

Classification:

Sculpture

Credit Line:

The Bloomfield Moore Collection, 1882

Accession Number:

1882-481

Geography:

Made in Delft, Netherlands, Europe

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Gallery 361, European Art 1500-1850, third floor

Main Building

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