Ducks c. 19th century

Curator: Here we have a work simply titled "Ducks," by Karl Bodmer. Editor: It's quite striking! The black and white etching creates a very serene, almost secretive mood. Curator: Bodmer, born in 1809, was renowned for his meticulous depictions of nature, particularly his illustrations accompanying Prince Maximilian zu Wied-Neuwied's expedition to North America. Editor: It's interesting to consider this image within the context of colonization, especially how such depictions impacted perceptions and relationships with the environment and its inhabitants. The ducks, seemingly undisturbed, exist within a landscape increasingly threatened by displacement. Curator: His prints, circulated widely, played a significant role in shaping European understanding—and often misunderstanding—of the American West. Editor: Understanding the sociopolitical landscape in which this artwork was conceived encourages us to consider our own impact on the environment and our relationship to the natural world. Curator: Indeed. Bodmer’s contribution serves as a potent reminder of art's function in conveying information and sometimes, inadvertently, reinforcing power structures.