Golden-Eye 1913

Archibald Thorburn made this painting of Golden-Eye ducks, but when, and with what, I couldn't tell you exactly. It’s a kind of study in soft tones, the muted browns and greys suggesting a real sense of the landscape. There's something appealing in the materiality of this piece, in the way the water appears soft and yielding, while the ducks themselves have a tangible presence. Look at the way Thorburn captures the light on the water, in loose brushstrokes, evoking its reflective quality. And then there are the ducks, so carefully rendered, each feather defined with precision. Notice especially the way he captures the sheen on the drake’s head, that iridescent patch of deep purple and green which shimmers in the light. I find myself wondering about the amount of detail to be seen in the feathers, and how the rest of the scene blends more softly together. Thinking about art as a conversation, it makes me think of Audubon and his meticulous studies of birds. It's like Thorburn is in dialogue with Audubon, but bringing his own sensibility to the subject, prioritizing mood and atmosphere as much as scientific accuracy.