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This sanguine drawing of a duck, head turned left, was created by Johann Elias Ridinger, likely in the first half of the 18th century. The composition captures a lifeless duck lying horizontally, its form dominating the visual field. The lines are delicately rendered, varying in pressure to describe the texture of the feathers and the contours of the bird’s body. This detailed approach emphasizes the material reality of the duck. We see a convergence of artistic tradition and natural philosophy of the period. Ridinger’s choice to depict the dead animal with such precision invites reflection on themes of mortality. It is presented not as a symbol but as an object of study, challenging our perceptions of beauty and value. The duck here is presented as a semiotic artifact, inviting interpretations beyond the aesthetic and toward an understanding of cultural and philosophical contexts.