Dominique, from the Prize and Game Chickens series (N20) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1891

This is a chromolithograph of a Dominique chicken, part of a series made by Allen & Ginter for cigarette cards. Here, we see the rooster as a proud symbol. The rooster has been laden with symbolic weight since antiquity, often linked to virility, courage, and vigilance. Consider its echoing presence in ancient Greek pottery, or even as a Christian symbol of resurrection, its crowing a daily rebirth. Yet, its image is complex, evolving over time to embody arrogance or aggression. This tension is palpable, tapping into our collective memory, stirring subconscious associations of power and conflict. As the image shifts from sacred to secular, the chicken persists as a powerful force, engaging our deepest emotions on a primal level. This symbol's journey is far from linear; it resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings in various historical contexts.