A Pair Of Eider Ducks 1917

Archibald Thorburn painted these eider ducks in 1917, during a period when wildlife art was deeply intertwined with conservation efforts. Thorburn was a key figure in the movement to document and protect British birdlife, a cause influenced by anxieties over habitat loss and species decline. His paintings weren't just illustrations, they reflected a deep connection to the natural world, portraying birds with an individuality and presence that encouraged viewers to empathize with them. The subtle differences between the male and female ducks in this painting can evoke questions about gender roles and relationships. Thorburn's choice of medium, watercolour, lends itself to capturing the delicate textures of feathers and the fluid movement of water, immersing the viewer in the birds' serene aquatic environment. By focusing on the intimate lives of these birds, Thorburn invites us to reflect on our own place within the larger ecosystem.