CIRCLE OF MARMADUKE CRADOCK (ENGLISH EARLY-MID 18TH CENTURY) A peacock and wild turkeys, together with Doves in flight, a dovecote, and an extensive landscape beyond oil on canvas 98 x 106 cm Noted for his depictions of birds, dead game, and other animals. Cradock was born in Somerton, Somerset, and moved to London where he served an apprenticeship to a house-painter. He was, however, self-taught as an artist, becoming skilled in the depiction of birds and animals. Horace Walpole wrote that "I have seen some pieces by his hand which he painted with a freedom and a fire that entitled them to more distinction". held in the 18th century his work as a still life and bird painter was influenced by Melchior d'Hondecoeter.