Silkie Cock and Hens, from "Le Magasin Pittoresque" 1848 - 1864

Charles Jacque created this print of a Silkie Cock and Hens for "Le Magasin Pittoresque," a popular illustrated magazine in 19th-century France. The image reflects a growing interest in rural life and animal husbandry during this period. We see this interest reflected in the rise of agricultural societies and the increasing popularity of domesticated animals as pets. The exotic Silkie breed, with its distinctive fluffy plumage, would have been of particular interest to readers. "Le Magasin Pittoresque" aimed to educate and entertain a broad audience, reflecting the values and interests of the French middle class. As a social historian, I would want to know more about the magazine's readership, its editorial policies, and its relationship to the art world of its day. Researching these areas would help us to understand the cultural significance of this seemingly simple image of chickens.