[title not known] Verso: Sketch of Flying Duck 

Curator: This sketch of a flying duck, rendered in pencil on paper, comes from the British School, though the specific artist remains unknown to us. Editor: It feels so fleeting, like a moment captured mid-flight. The upward thrust almost vibrates off the page. Curator: Duck imagery carries a wealth of meaning, depending on the era and context. Here, the act of taking flight could symbolize freedom, escape, or even aspiration. Editor: Or perhaps the artist was simply fascinated by the mechanics of flight? There’s a real sense of observation in the details of the wings. Curator: Certainly! It speaks to the rising popularity of naturalism in art and science where observing animals became a source of inspiration. These studies helped to solidify a sense of national identity. Editor: I find the rapid strokes evocative of how the unconscious mind takes flight. Curator: It’s remarkable how a simple sketch can offer such different interpretations. Editor: Indeed. A simple image, yet so rich with potential meanings.