"After finishing his studies, in 1896 Koester moved with his family in the resort town of Klausen in South Tyrol, and devoted himself entirely to painting. Koester discovered the duck as its object of study, which he painted in a wide range of variation. The duck as a portrait enjoyed great popularity. He also painted figures in landscapes, as with this work." http://books0977.tumblr.com/post/134170967342/reading-girl-among-birches-on-a