Studieblad met vier kippen 1720 - 1792

Aert Schouman created this study of four chickens with pen in gray in the 18th century, now held at the Rijksmuseum. Chickens, seemingly simple creatures, are rich with symbolism across cultures. Since antiquity, the chicken has represented both vigilance and, paradoxically, lust. We see echoes of the bird's vigilant nature in heraldry, where it appears as a symbol of watchfulness. Yet, venture into the ancient world, and you will find the chicken associated with fertility cults. Consider the Roman practice of using chickens to predict the outcome of battles, a ritual brimming with psychological weight, tapping into primal fears and hopes. The appearance of chickens in art invites reflection on how humankind has projected its desires, fears, and observations onto the animal kingdom. The image’s emotional power lies in its ability to connect us to ancestral beliefs and subconscious associations, subtly influencing our understanding of ourselves. As such, this study sheet invites consideration of the layers of meaning that accumulate over time and across cultures.