Twee vechtende hanen 1600

"Twee vechtende hanen" (Two Fighting Roosters), a 1600 etching by Italian artist Antonio Tempesta, captures the intensity of a cockfight. The detailed, finely-etched lines render the roosters' plumage and fierce expressions with striking realism. Tempesta, known for his depictions of animals and landscapes, skillfully uses chiaroscuro to emphasize the dynamic poses of the birds locked in a fierce battle. This small yet powerful print is a testament to Tempesta’s mastery of the etching technique and provides a glimpse into the popular entertainment of cockfighting in the 17th century.