A Kingfisher on a Branch 1528 - 1588

Jacques Le Moyne de Morgues made this watercolor of a Kingfisher on paper. The image is a striking profile of the bird, its form clearly delineated against the pale backdrop of the paper. The cool blues of the bird’s plumage sharply contrast with the warm browns of its underbelly. Le Moyne’s skill is evident in the precise rendering of texture, from the fine scales on the bird’s head to the feathery details of its wings. The composition is elegantly simple, with the branch providing a horizontal base that grounds the bird. The open beak and focused eye animate the figure. This is more than just a depiction. Through structural contrasts of color and texture, Le Moyne captures the essence of the kingfisher. It is an essay in natural history and a study of form. It uses shape and color to encapsulate the being of a bird.