Poultry 

Editor: This is "Poultry," by George Fennel Robson, from the Tate Collections. It’s a small, lively sketch, seemingly just ink on paper. What's your take on the artist's choice of medium? Curator: The rapid application of ink suggests a concern with the immediacy of labor – capturing a fleeting moment of rural life. This challenges the traditional hierarchy placing polished oil paintings above quick sketches. The paper itself, its texture and sourcing, becomes crucial in understanding the artwork's value. How does the lack of finish influence our perception of the subject? Editor: That’s interesting; I hadn't thought about the paper itself as part of the statement. It feels so raw. Curator: Exactly! It pulls back the curtain on artistic creation, revealing the means of production rather than obscuring them. Editor: I see what you mean now. Thanks for your insight. Curator: My pleasure, it was very helpful to explore those ideas together.