Title

Herons Chased by Kites

Author

Vos, Paul de

Hulst, ca 1590 - Antwerp, 1678

Typology

School

Century

Dimensions

Technique

Support

Inscriptions

Signature: "P. De Vos, fecit/ 16..."

Observations

It is paired with the painting Greyhounds chasing a hare, Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando, Madrid, inv. no. 0652.

The title contains an error, as it is certainly a depiction of Herons pursued by birds of prey, but they are not kites. The raptors attacking them exhibit all the characteristics of the Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) in its dark morph. Additionally, the birds typically used in falconry are generally hawks and goshawks, less frequently other types of eagles, but never kites, a species ill-suited for hunting in flight.

Related links

Bibliography

• José María de Azcárate y Ristori (1991): "Pinturas y dibujos desde el siglo XV al XVIII", en Pita Andrade, El libro de la Academia , Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando, Madrid, p. 130.
• Isadora Rose de Viejo (1983): Manuel Godoy, patrón de las artes y coleccionista, Tesis doctoral, vol. II, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, p. 525.
• Elías Tormo y Monzó (1929): "La visita a las colecciones artísticas de la Real Academia de San Fernando", Cartillas Excursionistas, nº 7, Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando, Madrid, p. 116.

Locations

• 1792 - 1813: Collection Manuel Godoy, Madrid (Spain)
• 1816: Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando, Madrid (Spain) (Inventory number: 0654)