Two Birds in Flight; verso: Swan c. 18th century

Editor: This drawing, "Two Birds in Flight; verso: Swan" by Jean-Baptiste Oudry, is quite striking with its delicate lines and sepia tones. What catches your eye, Professor? Curator: Consider the labor involved. Oudry wasn't just depicting birds; he was mastering the craft of representation. How does the material, the paper itself, contribute to the meaning? It's not just a surface, but a testament to production. Editor: So, the paper shows the artist's skill and craft in representing these birds? Curator: Exactly. Think about the societal context. Who commissioned such works? What did owning them signify in terms of class and consumption? Editor: I see. It's less about the birds themselves and more about the world around them. Fascinating!