Blackcock fighting

In the present watercolour, Thorburn not only achieves the feathers and anatomy with a technically accomplished finish, but captures a mesmerising tension between the two birds sparring at the lek, set against a magnificent Scottish landscape. The cock birds buffeting one another in a heathery hollow, are watched closely by two greyhens. Thorburn loved blackgame and particularly enjoyed capturing the blue sheen of the birds' black feathers.
A watercolour of Blackcock at the lek sold at Christie's London, 28 May 1998, lot 94, (£56,500).