19t C Trompe L'Oeil figure

Fine early 19th century oil painted trompe l'oeil figure of a young gentleman holding a falcon on his left arm. Painted on a wooden board and known as a dummy board. They were placed around the house in halls, corridors, by fireplaces and on staircases. They originated in the early 17th century and were popular until 19th century. The edges of the boards are chamfered - bevelled to increase the illusion of three-dimensions.ProvenanceThe late Eric Bullivant collection; 1895 - 1973. Many of his items are now in major museums, eg Ashmolean in Oxfordshire.