Greater Yellow Leg Decoy c. 1939

Editor: We're looking at "Greater Yellow Leg Decoy," a watercolor drawing from around 1939 by Samuel W. Ford. There's something quite charming about its simplicity. What kind of context can you provide for this image? Curator: This image, likely a preliminary drawing, connects us to the history of both ornithology and hunting in America. Ford seems to have captured this Greater Yellow Leg not as a scientific specimen, but with a specific utilitarian purpose in mind: a decoy. The early 20th century witnessed rising concerns around diminishing bird populations due to over-hunting. Art like this gains additional significance when considered alongside changing ecological attitudes and conservation efforts. Do you think it romanticizes hunting or perhaps serves as a reminder of the past, or even comments on the value placed on wildlife at this moment? Editor: That's interesting; I hadn't thought of it as part of the conservation movement. It could almost be an advertisement. But given the date, do you think the Depression might also influence how we see its social and cultural relevance? Curator: Absolutely. The Depression profoundly impacted daily life, including recreational activities like hunting, making practices shift due to financial constraints and the need for resourcefulness. Considering art and resource scarcity leads us to rethink how images were used to inspire social action and engage with the culture, not just document what existed, or was desired. Can art act as cultural memory? Editor: Yes, definitely, thinking about how art reflects conservation efforts and the social impact of the Depression really changes how I appreciate this seemingly simple drawing. Curator: Exactly, we often find ourselves discovering so much history woven into works of art.