Wild Turkey Cock, Hen, and Chicks c. 1828 - 1829

Editor: This is John James Audubon's "Wild Turkey Cock, Hen, and Chicks," and it's quite a large painting. I'm immediately struck by how stately the turkeys appear. What can you tell me about the historical context of this work? Curator: Audubon's project was deeply embedded in a specific cultural moment. His "Birds of America" aimed to catalog and celebrate American wildlife, coinciding with a period of expansion and exploitation of natural resources. How do you think this tension plays out in the image? Editor: I see that! There's a sense of admiration, but also a hint of foreshadowing given what we know about habitat loss. This has really broadened my perspective, thank you. Curator: Indeed, it prompts us to consider the evolving relationship between art, science, and environmental consciousness.