Three Old Hens c. 1947

Lura Ann Hedrick Taylor created this print of Three Old Hens using linoleum block printmaking. The humble hen, a seemingly simple barnyard animal, is rich with symbolism. Across cultures, the hen is linked with domesticity, fertility, and motherhood. Think of ancient Roman depictions of hens associated with Ceres, the goddess of agriculture, fertility, and motherhood. Here, we see one hen practically diving headfirst into a bucket, another at attention, while the third rests on the ground. This arrangement evokes a sense of everyday life, yet it also touches on deeper themes of nurturing, care, and the cycle of life. Consider how the hen appears in folklore and fairy tales, often as a giver of life or a symbol of simple virtues. This work makes us reflect on how the mundane aspects of life are imbued with profound meaning. It is a testament to the power of the matriarchal figure, both in the animal kingdom and in our own collective psyche. The recurring image of the hen connects us to the past, resurfacing in various forms to remind us of enduring themes.