MJ's little flock

[BY Bob]

sitting on daydreams

I love this turn of phrase.

 

[BY Bob]

Turns out the chest cold was covid. I'm worried I may have unknowingly passed it on to people while travelling home. It seems likely.

I'm struggling with jet lag too. Today I'm going to make a concerted effort to enliven myself after lunch in the hope I'll make it through to dinner time.

Please take care of yourself.

 

[RoyalChick]

I love this turn of phrase.

Me too. I copied it from MJ’s post.
It is very evocative of a broody hen.

 

[MaryJanet]

You need to bundle up with a purring cat.

Such a good idea!

 

[MaryJanet]

That's very cool! Thanks for sharing.

For something made around 1660, it sure is playful!

 

[RoyalChick]

For something made around 1660, it sure is playful!

Were people in 1660 less playful I wonder?
In Portugal they were in the middle of a war so perhaps they were.
I assume the tiles were intended as some sort of commentary on the times not simply whimsy - did they explain in the museum? Maybe nobody knows any more.

 

[MaryJanet]

Were people in 1660 less playful I wonder?
In Portugal they were in the middle of a war so perhaps they were.
I assume the tiles were intended as some sort of commentary on the times not simply whimsy - did they explain in the museum? Maybe nobody knows any more.

No, it wasn't explained at the time. My attitude was "fun day off with chickens" rather than a critique, so I gave it no thought.

However, as it's important to you, I asked an AI (Duck.ai) and this is what it said:

Allegorical Aspects of The Chicken's Wedding
Satirical Commentary
The Chicken's Wedding, also known as The Wedding of the Hen, serves as a satirical critique of the political climate during the War of Restoration in 17th-century Portugal. The use of anthropomorphic monkeys in the artwork symbolizes the absurdity of certain societal groups, likely targeting the defeated side of the conflict. This choice reflects the artist's commentary on the political tensions of the time.

Visual Symbolism
The central figure, a chicken in a carriage, surrounded by monkeys playing musical instruments, creates a whimsical yet pointed narrative. The monkeys, often associated with satire, enhance the allegorical message by portraying human behaviors in a ridiculous light. This visual representation invites viewers to reflect on the social dynamics and political issues of the era.

Cultural Context
The artwork is part of the singerie genre, which features monkeys in human-like scenarios. This genre emerged in the 16th century and was used to critique societal norms and behaviors. By embedding these elements into The Chicken's Wedding, the artist not only entertains but also encourages a deeper examination of the cultural and political landscape of 17th-century Portugal.

In summary, The Chicken's Wedding is an allegorical piece that combines humor and critique, using visual elements to comment on the political and social issues of its time.

 

[RoyalChick]

No, it wasn't explained at the time. My attitude was "fun day off with chickens" rather than a critique, so I gave it no thought.

However, as it's important to you, I asked an AI (Duck.ai) and this is what it said:

Allegorical Aspects of The Chicken's Wedding
Satirical Commentary
The Chicken's Wedding, also known as The Wedding of the Hen, serves as a satirical critique of the political climate during the War of Restoration in 17th-century Portugal. The use of anthropomorphic monkeys in the artwork symbolizes the absurdity of certain societal groups, likely targeting the defeated side of the conflict. This choice reflects the artist's commentary on the political tensions of the time.

Visual Symbolism
The central figure, a chicken in a carriage, surrounded by monkeys playing musical instruments, creates a whimsical yet pointed narrative. The monkeys, often associated with satire, enhance the allegorical message by portraying human behaviors in a ridiculous light. This visual representation invites viewers to reflect on the social dynamics and political issues of the era.

Cultural Context
The artwork is part of the singerie genre, which features monkeys in human-like scenarios. This genre emerged in the 16th century and was used to critique societal norms and behaviors. By embedding these elements into The Chicken's Wedding, the artist not only entertains but also encourages a deeper examination of the cultural and political landscape of 17th-century Portugal.

In summary, The Chicken's Wedding is an allegorical piece that combines humor and critique, using visual elements to comment on the political and social issues of its time.

And now I know!
Thank you for looking into it - not sure that enhances my enjoyment of the piece, but hey ho!
Museum still on my bucket list.

 

[MaryJanet]

And now I know!
Thank you for looking into it - not sure that enhances my enjoyment of the piece, but hey ho!
Museum still on my bucket list.

All art is contextualised, right? Whether we read the context or simply appreciate the beauty is a personal choice.