Goudfazant, hen 1759 - 1842

Pieter Pietersz. Barbiers rendered this image of a female Golden Pheasant with pen and watercolor. Notice how the hen perches upon a branch, a motif extending far back into antiquity. The branch itself is not merely a perch but a symbol of connection and lineage. Think of the Tree of Life, an ancient symbol found in nearly every culture, from the Norse Yggdrasil to the biblical Tree of Knowledge. It represents not only life and growth, but the interconnectedness of all things. Consider, too, how the branch as a symbol has evolved. In medieval tapestries, a flowering branch might represent fertility and renewal, while in later still-life paintings, a broken branch could signify mortality and decay. Even in modern botanical illustrations, the branch serves as a testament to nature's enduring vitality. This image engages us on a subconscious level, evoking feelings of continuity and the cyclical nature of life. It reminds us that symbols, like the hen on her branch, are not static but constantly evolving, weaving through the tapestry of human culture.