Aert Schouman (Dutch, 1710-1792), A Sparrowhawk on a Branch, looking to the Left

Aert Schouman (Dutch, 1710-1792)A Sparrowhawk on a Branch, looking to the LeftBlack chalk, watercolor, within pen and brown ink framing lines; watermark: I VilledaryInscribed verso: No 1542 and de Uijilen kop Sperwer na het leven getekent. . . levens groot A.S1775Paper size: 14 1/2 x 10 1/8 in.Inscribed on mount: J No93./GT 467;Uijlenkop Sperwer; and Naar het leven door A. Schouman1775 Provenance: Property of a European family trust Aert Schouman was a prolific artist who specialized in flower painting and engraving on glass but was foremost in natural history painting. After training with F. Greenwood and Adriaen van den Burg, he became a master painter at The Hague in 1748, and three years later, regent of the art academy. By 1762 he had been appointed principal of the academy and included among his pupils the great Dutch flower painter Jan van Os.Schouman was fortunate to receive royal patronage and completed many works for Prince Willem V at the summer palace of Het Loo, at Apeldoo