Geplukte hanen 1888

This is ‘Geplukte hanen’ by Floris Verster, an etching showing two plucked roosters. In Western art, fowl have long symbolized various themes, from vigilance and courage to lust and vanity. The rooster, with its proud stance and early morning call, often embodies concepts of resurrection and awakening, mirroring the rising sun and the dawn of a new day. Yet, here we see them lifeless. This contrasts with the vibrant life force usually associated with the creature. We may compare this to the motif of dead animals in Dutch still life paintings of the 17th century. The motif has resurfaced to remind us of mortality and the transience of life. Consider how our collective memory interprets this image. The vulnerability and stillness of the roosters evoke empathy, engaging us on a subconscious level. This image evokes strong psychological reactions, prompting reflections on mortality, sacrifice, and the cyclical nature of life.