Hier staat de trotze paauw te prijken / Met al zijn veeren uitgespreyt / De haan zal het u in moed niet wijken; Terwijl de hen de eyeren leyd 1725 - 1780

This print, created by Johannes Kannewet in Amsterdam, presents us with a proud peacock, a brave rooster, and a dutiful hen. The peacock, flaunting its plumage, is an ancient symbol of pride, beauty, and immortality. Consider how this motif has traversed cultures: In ancient Greece, it was associated with Hera, while in Christianity, it symbolized resurrection. The rooster, ever vigilant, embodies courage and vigilance, a solar symbol that crows at dawn, warding off darkness. The hen, with her eggs, speaks of fertility and domesticity, anchoring the scene. These symbols carry a psychological weight. The peacock's ostentation contrasts with the rooster's vigilance and the hen’s nurturing role. Such juxtapositions evoke deep-seated emotions and subconscious associations, engaging viewers on a primal level. The peacock's pride mirrors a human desire for recognition, while the rooster's courage speaks to our inherent need for protection. The journey of these symbols is not linear, but cyclical. They resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings, reflecting the ever-changing human experience.