Turkey 

This is a drawing of a Turkey, likely made by Benjamin West sometime in the late 18th to early 19th century. The artwork is composed with ink applied to paper using a quill or fine brush. You can see the lines vary in thickness depending on the amount of pressure applied, which allows for the tonality that describes the bird's plumage. West, a colonial American who found success in London, would have learned the techniques required to achieve this drawing during a long apprenticeship, or perhaps at the Royal Academy. The skills would have been hard-won, requiring dedication and a sensitivity to his materials. What is interesting is that this is not really a finished picture, but a study. West, despite his success, still found time to hone his craft. By exploring the materials and the making, we can connect the Turkey to broader trends in Western art history. It helps us think beyond the surface, challenging the separation between art, craft, labor, and design.