Content: Duck Painting Suits
Intro: What Did the Duck Painting Mean to Harvey?
I’ve been binge-watching the TV show “Suits” (Amazon), and I just watched season 6 episode 12.
And, even though this episode might be old news for some of you serious Suits fans out there, I just had to write about what I think is the meaning behind Harvey Specter’s painting in his office; the “duck painting”.
And as a bonus, I’ve got a list of amazing TV shows that are similar to “Suits” and will have you hooked from the very first episode.
So let’s get to it!
How Much Is the Duck Painting in Suits?
In season 6 episode 2, Elliot Stemple gave an ultimatum to Harvey:
- Either Harvey had to give Stemple $20,000,000 (that’s right! 20 million dollars!!), or
- Harvey had to give Stemple the “duck painting”.
If Harvey didn’t pick one of those two choices, Stemple was going to put Harvey’s law firm in the ground.
Why Did Stemple Want Harvey’s Duck Painting?
Stemple doesn’t care about the actual painting or the 20 million dollars. He only cares about taking the painting to give Harvey emotional pain.
For starters, Elliott Stemple calls Harvey’s painting, “duck painting”. Yet there’s no duck in the painting at all.
My guess is that this was a way for Stemple to devalue the painting. It shows he didn’t look at the painting long enough to even know what the subjects really are.
But, Stemple obviously knows that the painting means something to Harvey. Why else would he equate a painting to 20 million dollars?
“… you’ve had that thing as long as I’ve known you, and there’s no way a guy like you has a painting like that unless it means everything to him.”
Elliott Stemple (Suits, Season 6 Episode 2)
Harvey Specter Duck Painting
for Sale (Prints)
The painting known as Harvey Specter’s duck painting in Suits is actually called Listen Closely and was created by artist Heather Millar. Prints of the painting can be purchased on Millar’s website.
Who Made Harvey Specter’s Painting?
Harvey’s mother made the painting.
But we also know that Harvey’s relationship with his mother had dwindled in the past. In season 6 episode 12, he mentions that he hadn’t seen his mom in seven years.
When Harvey was a little boy, he caught his mom cheating on his dad. His mom had asked Harvey to keep that a secret from his dad. That secret lasted 20 years before Harvey told his dad the truth.
Harvey’s relationship with his mother had been in turmoil ever since he found out about the affair.
Why Was the Duck Painting Important to Harvey?
So, back to Stemple’s ultimatum…
At first, I assumed that Harvey would have handed the painting to Stemple without any further thought.
No problem, right? It’s better than paying $20,000,000!
Yet, Harvey is visibly torn when he hands the painting to Stemple.
So why is Harvey so attached to this painting? Why is he so emotionally connected to a piece of art that his mother created when he was little? A mother with who he clearly has a strained relationship with.
Even Jessica Pearson expresses her sympathy towards Harvey for having to give up the painting to save the firm.
“Harvey? I remember you told me that painting was the one happy memory you had of your mother before…”
Jessica Pearson (Suits, Season 6 Episode 2)
At the end of season 6 episode 2, we see a photograph of Harvey watching his mother paint the duck painting. This was a memory that happened before Harvey knew his mom was cheating on his dad.
I think that Harvey’s attachment to the painting is about his longing for a time when he was a happy little boy and his family was whole. He craves the comfort and safety he felt from his family before his mother had an affair.
5 Captivating Legal Dramas You Won’t Want to Miss!
If you’re a fan of legal dramas like me, you’ll definitely want to check out these captivating shows:
- First up, we have The Good Wife (Amazon Prime Video). This series follows a woman as she navigates her way through the legal world after her husband becomes involved in a scandal. The writing is top-notch, the characters are multi-dimensional, and the attention to legal detail will leave you on the edge of your seat.
- Next, How to Get Away with Murder (Amazon Prime Video) is an explosive series that will have you hooked from the very first episode. With a thrilling murder plot and a cast of complex law students and their professor, this show is fast-paced and innovative. The performances are outstanding, and the use of flashbacks will keep you guessing until the very end.
- If you’re in the mood for a classic, Law and Order (Amazon Prime Video) is the perfect choice. This long-running procedural takes you through the investigations and legal proceedings of crimes in New York City. The attention to detail is impeccable, and the focus on the criminal justice system as a whole will leave you feeling satisfied.
- Boston Legal (Amazon Prime Video) is a hilarious and entertaining series that will have you laughing and on the edge of your seat at the same time. The witty humor and strong performances from the lead actors are top-notch, making it a show that you won’t want to miss.
- Lastly, The Practice (Amazon Prime Video) is a show that delves deep into the lives of attorneys at a Boston law firm. With its focus on ethical dilemmas and attention to legal detail, this series will leave you pondering long after the credits roll.
While all of these shows focus on the legal profession and the personal and professional lives of attorneys, they each have their own distinct style and approach to storytelling. So, you may discover that you enjoy one or more of these shows for different reasons than you enjoyed “Suits.”
And here’s the best part: You can watch all of these shows and more with a free 30-day trial of Amazon Prime Video! With no risk and the option to cancel at any time, there’s no reason not to give it a try. You won’t regret it!
Summary: Harvey Specter & The Duck Painting on Suits
The article discusses the meaning behind Harvey Specter’s duck painting in the TV show Suits. In season 6, Elliot Stemple gives an ultimatum to Harvey to either give him 20 million dollars or the “duck painting,” which Stemple does not care about but only wants to cause Harvey emotional pain. The painting was made by Harvey’s mother. Harvey’s relationship with his mother has been strained since he caught her cheating on his dad when he was a child. It’s suggested that Harvey’s attachment to the painting is about his longing for a time when he was a happy little boy and his family was whole.