A charming painting by the acclaimed artist John Federick Herring, Sr. (1795-1865), the scene presents a mallard and family of ducks entering a babbling stream, which is dominated by a beautiful white Aylesbury duck. Reeds and rushes frame the composition. The tondo painting is contained within a period and possibly original gesso gilt frame with a black fillet. The stretcher of the painting bears the wax seal of what is presumed to be the Kirkman family with the motto "IN DEO CONFIDENS."

Herring was known for his equestrian portraits and became highly sought after by prize horse owners. Herring through the 1840s received commissions from the Duc d'Orleans, son of King Louis-Phillipe of France, the Duchess of Kent, and subsequently Queen Victoria, who had Herring appointed Animal Painter to the Royal Family for the balance of the artist's life.

In 1848 Herring painted and exhibited a work entitled "Pharaoh's Horses." The model for the painting was a white Arabian stallion called "Imaum" that was a gift of the Imaum of Muscat to Queen Victoria herself. Herring successfully bid on the horse at auction and used the handsome horse as a model for many of his subsequent works.

A beautiful Victorian artwork that would fit well in the home of a sportsman or hunter, England, circa 1850.

H 35 in. x W 35 in. x D 4 in.

H 88.9 cm x W 88.9 cm x D 10.16 cm

Fine original state, no observed restorations to canvas, frame in restored condition.