Kingfisher on the waterfront

Vincent van Gogh (1853 - 1890), Paris, July-August 1887

Original: oil on canvas, 19.1 x 26.6 cm, wxh

This kingfisher is sitting on the water's edge, lurking for fish. Van Gogh owned a preserved, stuffed kingfisher. Comparing the painting with a photograph of the stuffed one, a few differences stand out. In the painting Van Gogh made the tail a little longer, probably to balance it out with the bill sticking up. He also gave the animal legs - quite handy when you have to sit on a reed stalk. The bright blue feathers of the kingfisher are somewhat dull.

Read more about the life and work of Vincent van Gogh on his painter page.

Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam (Vincent van Gogh Foundation)

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