Haan 1747 - 1762

This print of a rooster, now in the Rijksmuseum, was made by Pier Leone Ghezzi at an unknown date. Ghezzi was an Italian painter and caricaturist working in the 18th century. This image can be understood in relation to both the social role of the artist and the political nature of imagery. The rooster, here presented with its wings outstretched, is a national symbol for France. This image of the rooster appears underneath Latin text which discusses events taking place within the Catholic church. In this context, we can see the image of the rooster as a pointed comment about the relationship between the French state and the church, and how the French state is crowing over the church. To better understand the work, we might consult historical texts and political cartoons, which are helpful in interpreting the satirical symbolism. This would provide insights into how Ghezzi was engaging with, and commenting on, the political dynamics of his time.