Calidris ferruginea (Curlew sandpiper) Possibly 1777 - 1786

Editor: Here we have Robert Jacob Gordon's "Calidris ferruginea (Curlew sandpiper)," a pencil and watercolor drawing from the late 1770s or 1780s. The delicate washes give a feeling of both fragility and precision. What immediately strikes you about this image? Curator: The careful attention to the rendering of form and texture is quite compelling. Consider how the artist employs hatching and stippling to differentiate the plumage from the bird’s slender legs. The implied skeletal structure evident beneath the surface lends an intriguing dimension. Do you see how the varying densities of pencil strokes model the shape and volume of the bird? Editor: I do see that, and it is fascinating. The shading creates such a detailed texture, almost lifelike. But, what is the significance of the vertical line on the left, marked with horizontal notches? It seems at odds with the rest of the image. Curator: An astute observation. The linear element is a crucial part of the formal composition. Notice how this scale emphasizes the verticality of the bird, accentuating its elegant, attenuated form. The artist uses this seemingly simple device to foreground notions of measurement and observation, transforming a mere ornithological study into a statement on perception. Editor: That makes sense. I never thought about the ruler itself being part of the artwork, part of its commentary. I'm really noticing new aspects of the work by thinking about form first. Thanks. Curator: Indeed, by closely analyzing the structural elements, we gain insight into the very essence of artistic creation. A rewarding endeavour.