Staande haan 1617 - 1681

Cornelis Saftleven created this etching of a standing rooster in the Dutch Republic sometime in the 17th century. This image exists in a world of rapidly developing science and burgeoning trade networks. The Dutch Republic became a hub of intellectual and artistic exchange. Saftleven's choice of subject, a common farm animal, reflects a broader interest in the natural world and the everyday lives of ordinary people. But it’s also worth noting that the rooster, especially one so robust, has long been a symbol of vigilance and even aggression. To truly understand this image, we need to situate it within the artistic and social context of the Dutch Golden Age. Archival sources, such as artist biographies, records from art academies, and publications would provide valuable information about the artist’s training, influences, and reception. We can begin to understand how it challenged or reinforced the social norms of its time.