Mother Duck Possibly 1932

Editor: Here we have Sir George Pirie's painting "Mother Duck", currently at the Tate. The visible brushstrokes give the duck a very tangible presence. What strikes you about this piece? Curator: The materiality of Pirie's work is fascinating. Look at the thick impasto – it isn’t just descriptive, it's performative. How does this relate to the broader art market? Editor: Are you suggesting the texture adds value? Curator: Precisely. Consider the labor involved, the cost of materials, and how that translates into perceived value for collectors during that period. Editor: That's a perspective I hadn't considered. Thanks! Curator: It’s important to remember how material choices and artistic labor are commodified.