Kippen en kalkoenen 1611 - 1650

This print, titled "Kippen en kalkoenen," or "Chickens and Turkeys" in English, presents a tableau of fowl and game, created anonymously, using etching technique. The image captures a moment of domesticity infused with anticipation. We see the birds, some still alive, amidst signs of food preparation. This kind of imagery often reflects the complex relationship between humans and the natural world, especially concerning food and sustenance. During the time this print was made, what did it mean to depict the sources of one’s meals so directly? Was it a celebration of plenty, or a stark reminder of life's necessities? The presence of both chickens and turkeys may also suggest a dialogue about global exchange, with turkeys being a relatively newer import to Europe compared to chickens. This scene offers a glimpse into the culinary practices and perhaps also the social values of its time, inviting us to reflect on our own connections to the food we consume.