The Hen Picturé * Johan Pasch (1706-1769)

Here we observe a curious grouping: six figures with distinctly human faces emerge from and are integrated within the bodies of chickens and a rooster. The composition is arranged in a pyramidal structure, with the rooster at its apex, presiding over the cluster of figures below. Each individual possesses elaborate hairstyles characteristic of the 18th century, adorned with ribbons and flowers, suggesting an aristocratic or upper-class status. Their expressions are largely neutral, bordering on serene, which contrasts sharply with the unusual nature of their presentation.
The artist has employed a muted palette dominated by earthy tones – browns, greens, and yellows – that blend the human and avian forms together. The background is indistinct, hinting at foliage but remaining deliberately vague, drawing attention to the central figures. Light falls unevenly across the scene, highlighting certain facial features while leaving others in shadow, contributing to an overall sense of theatricality.
The subtexts within this work are likely layered and potentially satirical. The juxtaposition of human faces with animal bodies immediately introduces a sense of absurdity and challenges conventional notions of identity and social hierarchy. It is plausible that the artist intended to mock or critique the pretensions and superficialities of the elite, reducing them to the level of poultry through this bizarre transformation.
The rooster’s prominent position suggests authority and dominance, perhaps representing a patriarchal figure or a ruling power. The arrangement of the figures around him could be interpreted as a commentary on familial relationships or social structures within a specific group. The flowers woven into their hair might symbolize beauty and refinement, further emphasizing the contrast between these qualities and the animalistic forms they inhabit.
The overall effect is one of unsettling humor and subtle critique, inviting viewers to question established norms and consider the fragility of human identity when confronted with the unexpected.