A Cock, Hens, Doves, and a Marmot 1674

Jacomo Victors' painting features a barnyard scene, but it presents us with more than just domestic fowl. Consider the symbolic weight carried by these creatures. The rooster, bold and vigilant, has long been a symbol of virility and resurrection, harkening back to ancient solar deities. Doves, traditionally associated with Aphrodite and peace, perch serenely above. This pairing introduces a dialectic: the rooster's active, masculine principle juxtaposed with the dove's feminine calm. The marmot, an unusual addition, may symbolize vigilance or the changing seasons. We see echoes of these animal symbols throughout art history. The dove appears in countless Annunciations, while the rooster crows atop weather vanes, a folk memory of its protective role. The marmot, though less prevalent, reminds us of humanity’s connection to the natural world. These symbols resonate within our collective consciousness, resurfacing time and again.