Vultures at Tejon 1936

Dorothy Jeakins created "Vultures at Tejon" in 1986, a pencil drawing that captures a stark, almost gothic scene. Jeakins, born in 1914, lived through times of great social and political upheaval, including the Great Depression and World War II, events which no doubt shaped her artistic sensibilities. Here, a solitary tree dominates the landscape, its bare branches silhouetted against a turbulent sky. Vultures perch ominously, their presence hinting at mortality and decay. The setting, Tejon, is likely a reference to the Tejon Ranch in California, an area known for its rugged beauty and, at times, harsh environment. Jeakins’ choice to depict vultures is interesting. Often seen as symbols of death, they also play a vital role in the ecosystem, cleaning up what’s left behind. I can’t help but wonder if Jeakins was reflecting on the cycles of life and death, or perhaps commenting on the darker aspects of human nature through this drawing. The drawing leaves us with a lingering sense of unease, prompting us to contemplate our own place within the natural world.