Two Pheasants in Flight, a Standing Heron and Two Small Birds; verso: blank c. 18th century

Editor: So, this is Jean-Baptiste Oudry's "Two Pheasants in Flight, a Standing Heron and Two Small Birds" from the Harvard Art Museums. It's an ink drawing, and I am intrigued by the texture of the paper. What can you tell me about it? Curator: I'm interested in the raw materials, the ink, the paper – where did Oudry source them? This paper doesn't seem mass-produced. Was it handmade, perhaps? Its texture speaks of labor and specific production processes. Editor: That’s interesting. What does that tell us about the piece, knowing the material? Curator: It shifts our focus from simply admiring the image to considering the social and economic context of its creation. Was this paper readily available, or a luxury? This informs our understanding of Oudry's practice and his relationship to the art market. Editor: That gives me a lot to think about when I look at the artwork. Thank you!