Whistler, Manet, Pissarro, Degas, Monet, Sisley -- and Bracquemond were all born within a few years of each other.  Bracquemond knew all of them, worked with them, exhibited with them, but nevertheless was never himself an "impressionist."  Referred to once as "the Michelangelo of ducks," he was obviously drawn to avian representation.  But he was a brilliant draughtsman, a brilliant etcher, and an artist who continues to defy easy classification .