This painting by Merrill Coffin captures a moment of quiet reflection through the humble presence of a duck decoy—an object rooted in tradition, utility, and memory. Resting on a wooden surface, the decoy is rendered with Coffin’s characteristic sensitivity to texture and form. Its worn surface and natural tones suggest years of use, handling, and purpose, elevating an everyday object into something quietly reverent.
Surrounding details—a length of rope, a small photograph, and a weathered wall hanging—add layers of narrative without overwhelming the composition. These elements feel personal, almost archival, hinting at stories just beyond the frame. The restrained palette and soft, deliberate brushwork allow the scene to breathe, inviting the viewer to slow down and observe.
Coffin often returned to familiar objects and rural motifs, finding beauty not in grandeur but in lived-in things. This duck decoy stands as a symbol of that philosophy: functional, unassuming, and deeply connected to place. The painting feels less like a posed still life and more like a quiet conversation between the artist and the objects he knew well—a moment preserved in paint, rich with memory and understated grace.
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