Fighting Cock c. 1775

Editor: Here we have Johann Rudolph Schellenberg’s "Fighting Cock," a pencil drawing from around 1775. What strikes me is how the artist renders the cockfight in such detail and dignity. It almost feels like a portrait of noblemen! What do you see in this piece? Curator: The fighting cock is not just a bird here, is it? Think of the long history, across cultures, of the rooster as a solar symbol, heralding the dawn. It represents vigilance, courage, and yes, aggression. But Schellenberg gives them almost human faces, don’t you think? Editor: Definitely! There’s an intensity in their eyes that's unsettling. Is that a common thread in such depictions? Curator: It reflects how society viewed these creatures, and by extension, themselves. Cockfighting was a widespread sport; these birds embodied a specific kind of masculine ideal: combative, flamboyant, ready to fight to the death for honor or territory. Think of the psychological projection involved in elevating this animal’s behavior to an ideal. What societal anxieties or values were being played out in the cockpit, do you think? Editor: I hadn’t considered that connection before. It’s as though their aggression mirrored human conflicts of the time. Curator: Precisely! These images acted as cultural containers for complex emotions. They captured pride and violence intertwined, making "Fighting Cock" more than just an animal study; it's a commentary on societal values projected onto these creatures. It shows you how artistic representations become powerful when interwoven with culture and identity. Editor: I see this drawing in a totally new light! Thanks, this insight makes me want to research how artists use animals to make commentaries on cultural norms.