The Old Cock c. 1882

Félix Bracquemond captured this old cock in a drawing, immortalizing it. The rooster, a symbol laden with meaning, strides out of the barnyard and into the theater of the mind. Since antiquity, the cock has been a solar emblem, heralding the dawn and dispelling darkness. This association is not confined to a single culture. From the Gallic rooster, a national symbol of France representing vigilance and resurrection, to its presence in ancient Greek mythology as an attribute of Asclepius, the god of healing, the rooster strides through history. Yet, the bird's symbolism is not limited to positive traits. It can also embody pride, aggression, and even lust. The rooster, then, becomes a vessel containing the light and dark aspects of human nature. The image resonates beyond mere representation, touching upon our collective memory. It’s a reminder that symbols evolve, carrying echoes of the past while adapting to new cultural landscapes.