A hen and cock pheasant by gorse 1926

This is "A hen and cock pheasant by gorse," painted by Archibald Thorburn in 1920. Here, the proud pheasant, vibrant with color, takes center stage, while the hen blends into the background. The pheasant, in its resplendent plumage, has long been a symbol of prosperity and abundance. One might even compare it to the peacock, a symbol of immortality in ancient Rome, decorating villas as a promise of eternal life. Like the peacock, the pheasant transcends its earthly existence to become a symbol of higher virtues. Consider, too, how this symbolism shifts and morphs through time. What was once a symbol of opulence for Roman elites resurfaces here in the British countryside, painted with delicate watercolors. The enduring presence of these images speaks to our collective memory. This image taps into the subconscious, stirring emotions and associations linked to nature, beauty, and the cycle of life. Such is the eternal dance of symbols across the stage of history.