Studies of Ducks; verso: Studies of Ducks 19th-20th century

Editor: This drawing, titled *Studies of Ducks*, is by William Valentine Schevill. The medium appears to be graphite on paper, and it depicts numerous ducks in different poses. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a poignant commentary on the commodification of nature. The repetitive study of ducks, devoid of a natural setting, reduces them to mere objects of observation and potential resources, echoing the historical exploitation of animals within capitalist systems. Editor: Exploitation? Curator: Yes, consider how these 'studies' might inform hunting practices, domestication, or even symbolic representations reinforcing human dominance. It’s a subtle critique embedded within a seemingly innocuous sketch. What do you think? Editor: I hadn't considered the political dimensions before, but now I see how even a simple sketch can reflect complex power dynamics. Curator: Exactly. Art often subtly mirrors and critiques prevailing societal norms.