Smew 1913

Editor: Here we have Archibald Thorburn’s “Smew” from 1913, a watercolor piece portraying two ducks by the shore. It has a serene quality to it, but I'm struck by the formal, almost portrait-like presentation of the birds. What do you see when you look at this piece? Curator: Well, seen from a historical angle, I see it as fitting into a larger cultural phenomenon, this era was characterized by the burgeoning field of ornithology and a growing public interest in natural history. The placement of these paintings and prints within the home served to illustrate to their social standing and commitment to scientific knowledge. Thorburn’s accuracy in depicting these birds goes beyond just aesthetics, appealing to scientific illustration prevalent then. How do you see the backdrop working in conjunction with these animals? Editor: I feel like the landscape emphasizes the remoteness of the ducks and provides context. Were works such as this one used by ornithologists? Curator: Undoubtedly, visual representations like these influenced the professional field of ornithology, becoming popular reference materials to guide both scholarly understanding and the recreational activity of birdwatching. And we must think about Thorburn's other works in order to establish the scope of impact he had. Do you consider the placement or display of an artwork, in our modern-day context, similarly vital to consider for works such as this? Editor: I agree. Its original context shapes its reception, which should always be understood. The formal precision makes sense now when thought about as something closer to scientific documentation rather than a modern landscape painting. Curator: Precisely! Understanding the function that “art” fulfilled sheds new light onto why we should value artworks like this today. Thanks to your perspective I am left wondering if these animal portrait paintings also played a significant role in shaping environmental conservation movements.