Kip, staande op een heuveltje 1775 - 1833

Jean Bernard created this drawing of a rooster standing on a small hill, sometime between the late 18th and early 19th century. In a period marked by significant social upheaval and revolution, the rooster, traditionally a symbol of vigilance and courage, takes on added layers of meaning. During this era, the rooster was embraced as a symbol of French identity and resistance. As you consider the artist’s intention, think about the dual identities of this creature. On one hand, the rooster is proud and assertive, embodying qualities of strength and virility, but it’s also bred for consumption and for sport. Bernard’s rooster is both a symbol of national pride and a reminder of the complex relationship between humans and the natural world. He invites us to reflect on themes of freedom, captivity, and the complex negotiations of identity.