Haan, hen met kuikentjes en andere vogels in een tuin met antieke ruïnes 1708 - 1749

Peter Casteels' print presents us with domestic birds set amongst classical ruins, a tableau of nature reclaiming the vestiges of antiquity. Here, the rooster, an emblem of vigilance and the dawn, stands proud. It appears, a distant echo of its ancestral role as a sacred animal linked to solar deities, embodying courage. This representation contrasts sharply with its appearance in ancient Greece where it was often associated with martial prowess, adorning vases and sculptures. The presence of the antique ruins, overgrown yet visible, evokes a sense of cyclical time. It subtly suggests that civilizations rise and fall, leaving behind fragments that are re-integrated into the natural world. This cycle resonates with the primal rhythms of life, mirroring our own internal confrontation with mortality. The serene domesticity of the birds against this backdrop touches something deep within us, tapping into a collective memory of pastoral simplicity. It's a reminder of the enduring power of nature to transform and transcend.