Hahnenschlag in der Umgebung von Frankfurt am Main 

Anton Radl made this watercolor, "Hahnenschlag in der Umgebung von Frankfurt am Main," in the early nineteenth century, capturing a folk custom popular in rural German villages. The scene depicts the "Hahnenschlagen," or "rooster hitting," game during which villagers took turns attempting to kill a rooster tied to a post with a club. This seemingly cruel tradition, now outlawed in most places, was once associated with agrarian rituals meant to ensure a good harvest and community well-being. Radl’s depiction invites us to consider the social and cultural context in which such customs were practiced. As art historians, we can research local histories, folklore studies, and anthropological accounts to better understand the rituals, beliefs, and social structures that shaped such practices. Art like this serves as a lens through which we examine the complex interplay between tradition, community, and the changing values of society.