Gospel in Art: As a hen gathers her brood under her wings

Hens and her Brood, a Peacock, all disturbed by the arrival of a Falcon, by Melchior d'Hondecoeter,17th C © Sotheby's Sale, 4 December 2013, lot 37

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 27 October 2022
Luke 13:31-35

Some Pharisees came up to Jesus. 'Go away' they said. 'Leave this place, because Herod means to kill you.' He replied, 'You may go and give that fox this message: Learn that today and tomorrow I cast out devils and on the third day attain my end. But for today and tomorrow and the next day I must go on, since it would not be right for a prophet to die outside Jerusalem.

'Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you that kill the prophets and stone those who are sent to you! How often have I longed to gather your children, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you refused! So be it! Your house will be left to you. Yes, I promise you, you shall not see me till the time comes when you say:

'Blessings on him who comes in the name of the Lord!'

Reflection on the painting

Melchior de Hondecoeter was a Dutch painter who specialised in depicting birds of all types. Here we see, apart from the central figure of the peacock, a hen protecting her brood at the arrival of a falcon which comes flying in. The little chicks are scared and run off in all directions. The words in today's Gospel 'as a hen gathers her brood under her wings', implies an image of protection. Look how protective the hen is towards her little ones, all under the watchful eye of the peacock. Early Christians adopted the symbol of the peacock to represent eternal life, as an ancient legend told that the flesh of the peacock did not decay. It is also directly linked with the resurrection of Christ because the birds sheds it old feathers every year and grows, newer, brighter ones each year... Also peacocks hold a hidden splendour underneath. When they spread their tail-feathers, their magnificence shows, revealing their true beauty. The symbolism is used by Christians, as when we stroll the streets, one can't tell the difference between a Christian and someone who has never been baptised. From all external appearances, they are both just human beings, going about their daily lives. And yet, underneath the ordinary appearance, the Christian soul enjoys a hidden splendour and magnificence through the power of God's grace. So does the peacock display a splendour of feathers when its tail is raised.

The quote regarding the hens, has to be put in context first. Jesus has just returned to Jerusalem for the last time, in the realisation that He is to be arrested and crucified. Jesus wants to gather the people in Jerusalem into His love and protection - 'under his wing', just like a hen does with her brood. It is this 'sheltering' love that Jesus wants to convey here. Come close to Him and He will protect you. In our painting we see the little chicks playing without a care in the world, but the falcon (cunning 'fox-like' Herod as Jesus calls him in our reading) comes flying in and the hen is seen immediately wanting to protect her brood. So it goes with Jesus, He wants to protect us, to shelter us, to care for us… But it is ultimately only we who can decide wether we want to live under His protective wing or not.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/

Today's reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/luke-13-31-35-2022/