Gevogelte en een aap 1584 - 1653

This print, titled "Fowl and a Monkey," presents a curious gathering of creatures in a natural setting. Observe the roosters, their combative stance embodying primal aggression and virility. The monkey, a symbol of human-like cleverness, sits passively in the background, observing the scene, a potent reminder of the divide between instinct and intellect. The rooster, a symbol of vigilance and pride, has crowed through the ages, appearing in countless mythologies from the Gallic rooster representing France to its association with the Greek god Apollo. Here, the roosters' display of dominance echoes ancient gladiatorial contests, where symbolic battles played out humanity's own struggle for supremacy. The image captures a timeless dance between nature and culture, instinct, and intellect. It is a tableau of symbolic resonance that speaks to the depths of human experience.