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The Cock with Two Wives by George Ranstead
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The Cock with Two Wives by George Ranstead
Second in a series of six drawings depicted the Aesop Fable about the man with two wives but acted out by chickens instead. In this picture, one wife objects to the husbands white feathers, and the objects to his black feathers. Drawn on a postcard by George Ranstead, an amateur artist of the Great War who served in the Army Pay Corps. Ranstead was one of many soldiers of WWI who took up drawing as a hobby. His subjects range from wartime humour to pictures of pretty girls and are clearly influenced by images in the illustrated magazines of the period.
circa 1916
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Media ID 7184335
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10527722
Aesop Chicken Cock Cockerel Fable Fables Feathers Hens Post Card Poultry Ranstead Rooster Ww 1
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This charming postcard, featuring the Aesop Fable "The Cock with Two Wives" as depicted by amateur artist George Ranstead during World War 1, offers a whimsical take on the classic tale using chickens instead of humans. In this rendition, the cockerel, proudly displaying his white and black feathers, is married to two hens, each preferring a different color. The hen with the white feathered husband looks on with approval, while her sister hen, adorned with a black husband, expresses her discontent. Ranstead, a soldier serving in the Army Pay Corps during WWI, turned to drawing as a pastime, reflecting the influence of the illustrated magazines of the period. His body of work encompasses a range of subjects, from wartime humor to portraits of pretty girls. This postcard, dated circa 1916, showcases his unique interpretation of a timeless fable, adding a touch of lightheartedness to the harsh realities of war. The intricate details and vibrant colors of Ranstead's drawing bring the scene to life, making it a delightful addition to any collection. The postcard's age adds to its historical significance, providing a glimpse into the artistic expressions of soldiers during a time of conflict. This unique piece of art serves as a reminder of the power of creativity and the enduring appeal of Aesop's fables.
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