Coqs et poules. 1897

Maurice Pillard Verneuil made this print called "Coqs et poules" sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century. Verneuil was a French artist deeply embedded in the Art Nouveau movement, which sought to integrate art into everyday life, often drawing inspiration from the natural world. The print presents us with a pastoral scene of roosters and hens. It reflects the aesthetic values of the period, but it also subtly engages with societal expectations around gender and identity. The roosters, with their vibrant plumage and proud stances, might be seen to embody traditional masculine ideals of strength and dominance. Meanwhile, the hens, depicted in more muted tones, seem to represent a quieter, nurturing femininity. Yet, Verneuil complicates these readings through his artistic style. The animals are stylized, almost ornamental, which disrupts any straightforward interpretation of gender roles. The composition feels balanced and harmonious; perhaps suggesting a world where these identities coexist. Ultimately, this print offers a delicate balance of visual pleasure and understated social commentary, inviting us to consider the roles we all play.