Kingfisher 1860 - 1910

Sir Linley Sambourne rendered this drawing of a kingfisher with pen and blue ink. The figure of the kingfisher is anthropomorphic, dressed in the attire of a late 19th-century gentleman: tailcoat, bow tie and hat. The motif of the kingfisher, a bird known for its patience and precision in hunting, carries diverse symbolic weight. In ancient Greek mythology, the kingfisher, or halcyon, was associated with a period of calm and tranquility. This imagery is juxtaposed with the kingfisher’s portrayal as a well-mannered gentleman. The very act of fishing can be viewed as a metaphor for the human condition. As a symbol, it recurs across various cultural contexts, and it may signify the pursuit of knowledge or the quest for sustenance. This image underscores the complex interplay between man and nature, where inherent instincts are masked by social conventions.