Duck with Wings Extended, Seen from Behind; verso: blank c. 18th century

Curator: Here we have Jean-Baptiste Oudry's "Duck with Wings Extended, Seen from Behind." There's no date assigned to this particular piece. Editor: It gives me a sense of upward motion, like it's just about to take off, a sort of frantic energy. Curator: Oudry was known for his animal paintings, often commissioned by wealthy patrons to decorate their estates. The materiality of the paper itself, its texture and age, speak to a history of production and consumption within the aristocratic circles of the time. Editor: I love how he captures the light on the feathers, that delicate pinkish hue. It makes me wonder what he was thinking, watching the duck move, trying to capture its essence. Curator: Oudry's process here is fascinating, the way he used watercolor to render the duck's form. It invites us to consider the role of art in documenting and celebrating nature, particularly within a context of privilege and leisure. Editor: Exactly, there’s something so simple and beautiful about it. A snapshot of pure, unadulterated duck-ness. Curator: Indeed. The artwork prompts us to think about the social forces at play during Oudry’s time, and how art often reflects—and reinforces—those structures. Editor: So even a duck can be a window into history!