Portrait of a boy, three-quarter-length, in a blue velvet coat and embroidered waistcoat, with a parrot resting on his left hand

Born in the Hague, Richard van Bleeck was the son of a sculptor. In 1695 the artist was the master of a studio in his native city, but in the same year he left for London. Van Bleeck returned to The Hague in 1705, the year in which he executed his celebrated portrait of the still-life painter, Coenraet Roepel (Christie's, London, 7 July 2004, lot 38). By 1727 he had returned to London where he established a successful portrait practice, notably among Roman Catholic families.