Eyes of the Thunderbird c. 1930

Frank A. Nankivell created this etching titled 'Eyes of the Thunderbird', using a monochromatic palette to depict three figures in a landscape. The rough texture of the etching lends the piece a sense of immediacy, as though we are witnessing a scene captured in a fleeting moment. The composition is structured by the contrast between the standing figure on the left and the seated figure below, creating a vertical emphasis countered by the slumped pose. This arrangement evokes a sense of narrative tension. Note how Nankivell employs varying densities of line to suggest form and depth. The heavier lines define the contours of the figures, whilst lighter, more atmospheric strokes indicate the surrounding environment. This interplay between line and tone is not merely descriptive; it serves to destabilize our perception. Are we looking at a straightforward representation, or is Nankivell engaging with deeper philosophical concerns? The answer, perhaps, lies in the artwork's title. 'Eyes of the Thunderbird' invites us to consider the unseen forces that shape our understanding of the world.