Studies van verschillende soorten kippen 1865 - 1878

Jules Laurens rendered these Studies van verschillende soorten kippen with monochrome precision. The humble fowl, seemingly banal, carries within it the echoes of ancient symbolism. Observe the rooster, its comb erect like a crown. Throughout history, this proud bird has symbolized vigilance, courage, and even resurrection. We find it perched atop church steeples, a Christian emblem of awakening and faith. Yet, trace its lineage further back, and you'll discover its association with solar deities, its morning crow heralding the dawn, a potent image of rebirth. Consider how the rooster's image morphs across cultures. In some, it's a symbol of male virility, while in others, it embodies aggression and conflict. This variability isn't arbitrary; it reflects our collective, often subconscious, projections onto the animal kingdom. The psychological power of the image remains potent, stirring primal emotions within us. Thus, even in a simple barnyard scene, we find the cyclical dance of symbolism, ever resurfacing, ever transforming.