Hunching Duck in Profile to the Left; verso: blank c. 18th century

Editor: This is Jean-Baptiste Oudry's "Hunching Duck in Profile to the Left." It's a beautiful drawing, but quite simple. What strikes you most about its composition? Curator: The emphasis on line is paramount. Oudry masterfully employs contour lines to define the form, giving the duck a tangible presence despite the minimal shading. Consider the articulation of the feathers – the deliberate variations create texture and depth. How do you perceive the use of color? Editor: It's mostly muted, except for the splash of red around the eye. It seems almost symbolic. Curator: Precisely. This isolated chromatic accent draws the viewer's attention, heightening the expressive quality. Do you think that this emphasis distracts from the otherwise earthy tones present? Editor: I do not. This has given me much to consider about the piece. Curator: And I, your perspective.