Drie pauwen 1654 - 1712

This etching, "Drie pauwen" from an anonymous artist, presents us with three peacocks depicted in a formal, almost theatrical composition. The artist uses the monochromatic medium to emphasize texture and form, creating a structured tableau. Notice how the peacocks are arranged; one displays its plumage in full fan, another stands regally atop a plinth, and the third pecks at the ground, each pose contributing to a balanced yet dynamic scene. This arrangement introduces a semiotic interplay, where each peacock signifies different aspects of display, status, and natural behavior. The etching's visual structure subtly questions established meanings through its deliberate composition and attention to detail. It invites us to contemplate the peacock not merely as a symbol of beauty, but as a complex signifier within a broader cultural discourse.