Question? To Take the Pair or Wait for the Flock

Question? To Take the Pair or Wait for the Flock

Object NamePrint

Artist / Maker Jay Norwood Darling (American, 1876 - 1962)

Date1930

MediumEtching

Dimensions13 3/4 x 11 1/4 in. (34.9 x 28.6 cm)

ClassificationsPrints and Printing Plates

Credit LineGift of the J. N. "Ding" Darling Foundation. In the permanent collection, Brunnier Art Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.

Object numberUM82.183

Status

Not on view

Collections

CultureAmerican

Label TextTake the pair, or wait for the flock? It's a question every duck hunter has probably asked many times. Given that the birds in Darling's etching are two drake Canvasbacks, the decision will have to be a split second one. Canvasbacks are among the fastest fliers of all ducks; able to hit speeds of 60 to 75 miles per hour. Those "bull cans" will be long gone if there's even a second of indecision, leaving the hunter waiting for the distant flock that may nver get closer. This is a working proof of the first state. There are pencil corrections on the upper right ducks neck.

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