Sinke & Van Tongeren

The third series of photographs by fine Taxidermists Sinke & Van Tongeren After observing and analysing so many 17th century paintings, they were inspired to create a new series of work focused on still life masterpieces. They chose photography as the medium to portray their fine Taxidermy work interpreted through vanitas still lifes. The collection, ‘Les Peintures des Taxidermistes’, comprises eight works. Vanitas still lifes were enormously popular in the 17th century, often inspired by biblical themes and the saying that “All is vanity”. It reminded the viewer of his or her own mortality. For these series of still lifes Sinke & van Tongeren not only created meaningful scenes of taxidermy, they also mined their enormous collection of great finds to gather the most beautiful and unusual antiques to complement each scene. Title of this work; ’RÉUNION D’OISEAUX ÉTRANGERS’ Cabinets of curiosity were of monumental importance in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Assembling them with interesting and rare objects was a competitive hobby amongst the elite, and to collect a great number of mounted species from everywhere in the world was the Holy Grail of the day. For ‘Réunion d’oiseaux étrangers’, we created that Holy Grail again, but this time stocking our cabinet with seemingly live species. This plentiful composition is staged in a cabinet with different boxes holding rare species such as a Toco Toucan, Scarlet ibis, Cock of the Rock...

A huge 19th Century French Birdcage with a composition of nineteen Fine Taxidermy birds. We can imagine this being an amazing orchestra of beautiful tunes. Among the musicians are a ...

The Spectacled owl is the largest owl to be found in the dense tropical rainforests of South America. It will eat everything that moves and is not too heavy to fly away with. It wi...

The Kea (Nestor notabilis) is a species of large parrot found in the forested and alpine regions of the South Island of New Zealand. Known for attacking livestock, especially sheep. There are also anecdotal reports of kea attacking rabbits, dogs, and even horses. There are also suggestions that kea used to feed on moa in a similar way. It all sounds brutal yet if looks beautiful. With its mostly olive-green plumage with orange feathers on the undersides of its wings. The outer wing are a dull-blu. It sits on top of a green marble ornament and under a large antique glass dome...

Hammerhead (Scopus umbretta) is a medium sized wading bird. The shape of his head with a long bill and crest at the back looks like a hammer. This gave the species its name after the Afrikaans word for hammerhead ‘Hamerkop’. We sculpted this Hamerkop in a very gracious and friendly pose. Its base is tailor made with antique wood and velvet. Housend under an antique 19th century glass dome...

The Duyvenbode’s Lory (Chalcopsitta duivenbodei) is found in northern New Guinea. Named after Maarten Dirk van Renesse van Duivenbode (June 2, 1804 – March 31, 1878) who was a Dutch merchant, trader of bird skins for fashion and naturalia. The colour palette of this bird is very special. Almost bronze like. A great match with the antique velvet base. Note: All animals used for their work came from captivity and died on natural causes. No animals are raised or killed for their work. The works of Dutch Artists Sinke and van Tongeren are inspired by golden age old master painters...

Four magnificent macaws on a row. Perched on a gild wooden ornament that is waal mounted. A composition inspired by the famous 17th century Hondecoeter paintings. Resulting in a dynamic tableaux that exploding in colour. One Red-and-green macaw (Ara chloropterus) and three Blue-and-gold macaws (Ara ararauna) Note: All animals used for their work came from captivity and died on natural causes. No animals are raised or killed for their work. The works of Dutch Artists Sinke and van Tongeren are inspired by golden age old master painters...

Left: Bald Eagle & Snakes (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) This magnificent bird of prey fighting two snakes. A Puff adder (Bitis arietans) and a Blood Python (Python brongersmai). This battle takes place on top of an antique marble and zinc plinth. Note: Not available for the US Right: Verreaux's Eagle & Snakes (Aquila verreauxii) A very rare black eagle in the midst of a tough conflict with a Royal Python (Python regius) and a Boa constrictor (Boa constrictor). Situated on an identical plinth to the Bald Eagle. Two impressive sculptural pieces. Price for the set: € 60.000,- (excl. VAT) Price for single: € 35.000,- (excl. VAT) Note: All animals used for their work came from captivity and died on natural causes. No animals are raised or killed for their work. The works of Dutch Artists Sinke and van Tongeren are inspired by golden age old master painters...