Girl with a Parrot

On the back we can see how the oak panel has been prepared with a light-coloured ground layer then a thin coat of brown paint (imprimatura), as if it was the front of the painting. It is well known that in some cases ‘superior’ panels were prepared on both sides to increase stability. The small red wax seal to the bottom right is the stamp of Consul Hans West. The seal isa coat of arms with two half-moons and a bird on the shield, with a horse’s head as a crest. West established a large collection of old master paintings during his stay in Brussels 1803-05 as Danish consul. Later the collection was bought by the Danish King Frederik 6.