The ‘duck painting’ isn’t just art; it embodies Harvey’s lost happiness. Painted by his mother, it freezes a blissful childhood memory shattered by her betrayal when she cheated on his father. Now, Harvey clings to those memories in defiance of the past.
The ‘duck painting’ isn’t just art; it embodies Harvey’s lost happiness. Painted by his mother, it freezes a blissful childhood memory shattered by her betrayal when she cheated on his father. Now, Harvey clings to those memories in defiance of the past.
Why Did Stemple Want Harvey’s Painting?
In season 6 episode 2, Elliot Stemple issued a brutal ultimatum to Harvey: pay $20 million or lose the prized “duck painting.” Faced with this choice, Harvey reluctantly handed over the artwork.
Stemple threatened to destroy Harvey’s law firm if he didn’t comply. Stemple’s goal was to emotionally torture Harvey by belittling the valuable painting, mocking it as a duck when it was actually an alligator.
This deliberate act showcased his disdain for the artwork and its importance to Harvey, using it as leverage in their power play.
… 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)
The Emotional Connection Between Harvey and the Painting
Harvey’s mother, a once talented painter, created a masterpiece that marked the beginning of their strained relationship.
The pivotal moment in Season 6, Episode 12 reveals that seven years had passed since they last saw each other.
As a young boy, Harvey discovered his mother’s betrayal when he caught her cheating on his father. She pleaded with him to keep it hidden from his dad, burdening him with the secret for two decades until he finally confessed.
Since then, their relationship has been in constant turmoil.
Final Thoughts on the Impact of This Painting on Harvey’s Story
Let’s explore Stemple’s ultimatum. I thought Harvey would easily give up the painting, no problem, right? It sure beats paying $20 million! But as he hands it over, you can see the struggle in his eyes.
Why does this piece of art hold such significance for him? What ties him so closely to a creation made by his estranged mother when he was young?
Even Jessica Pearson joins in Harvey’s sacrifice of the artwork 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)
In the closing moments of season 6, episode 2, Harvey’s eyes lock onto a mesmerizing photograph of his mother painting a duck. This image captures a powerful memory from before the truth shattered Harvey’s world: his mother’s betrayal.
The artwork isn’t just colors and shapes; it embodies Harvey’s longing for the innocence and unity of his childhood. It symbolizes the comfort and stability he once felt within his family before everything fell apart.
Did Harvey Get the Duck Painting Back?
In a thrilling turn of events in Suits season 9, episode 7 “Scenic Route”, Harvey Specter finally reclaims his beloved duck painting.
In episode 7 of season 9, Donna surprises Harvey with the original duck painting she retrieved. She orchestrated a swap with a forger to replace it in Stemple’s possession. This gesture moved Harvey, leading him to reconnect with his mother by phone before the episode’s end.
In a heartbreaking twist, Harvey learns in the following episode that his mother died suddenly from a heart attack. The painting now holds even more significance as one of the few remaining connections to her.
Note: This article has been peer reviewed and held to the highest editorial standards.
About the Author: Melissa Dawn Pisnak
As an Online Art Advisor with two decades of experience, I’ve spent countless hours studying the intricate ways art influences and reflects personal narratives. My expertise extends to analyzing the symbolic significance of artwork within various media, including television. One such piece that has captivated both art lovers and fans of the show Suits is the infamous “duck painting” owned by Harvey Specter.