Plate 166 Rough-legged Falcon 

Editor: Here we have Audubon’s watercolor, "Plate 166 Rough-legged Falcon." I’m immediately struck by the intensity of the falcon's gaze and the drama of the kill. What do you see in this piece beyond just a depiction of nature? Curator: Well, seeing this as simply a depiction of nature overlooks the significant cultural context. Audubon's work gained popularity at a time when American identity was intrinsically tied to the idea of conquering and understanding the natural world. Think about how this image might play into the narrative of man versus nature, or perhaps even America's nascent sense of national identity. Does this portrayal glorify this conquest, or does it present a more nuanced perspective? Editor: That’s a good point! I hadn’t considered it in the context of nation-building. I guess it does kind of portray a "taming" of the wilderness, by depicting, naming, and classifying it. So, this image might actually contribute to solidifying those early national ideologies? Curator: Precisely! Also, consider the social aspects. How does the consumption of such imagery, displayed in homes and scientific institutions, shape the viewers’ understanding of nature and their place within it? This romantic yet "realistic" depiction could foster a sense of pride and dominance over the environment. Do you think Audubon was aware of these implications, or was he purely driven by scientific observation? Editor: That’s hard to say. He was obviously very detail-oriented, but the composition itself feels rather theatrical, don't you think? Almost as if he was deliberately creating a spectacle. I think that adds another layer of intention, don't you think? Curator: Indeed. So while the naturalistic style implies objectivity, the dramatic staging hints at something more deliberate, suggesting that his art, even in its realism, always exists within cultural and social frameworks of its time. I see that Audubon's meticulous paintings serve more than just recording observations, but in establishing values and relations. Editor: Wow, I never would have considered that before, now I see so much more to think about! Thanks.