The Hen and Her Chicks c. 1860

Editor: This is Charles François Daubigny's "The Hen and Her Chicks." It's a lovely little scene, and I'm struck by how Daubigny captures the quiet domesticity. How would you interpret the significance of such a commonplace subject in art of this period? Curator: Daubigny’s focus on the everyday, a hen and her chicks, is quite radical. It reflects a shift in artistic patronage. As the Salon became increasingly commercial, artists like Daubigny turned to printmaking and smaller, intimate scenes to appeal to a rising middle class. Editor: So, the public’s tastes shaped the art? Curator: Precisely. This seemingly simple image speaks volumes about the democratization of art and the changing social landscape that favored relatable subjects over grand historical narratives. Editor: That's fascinating; I had no idea it was about more than just chickens! Curator: Indeed, it reveals much about the public role of art during this time.