Morning

 

Joseph Leboit

  1907 - 2002 (biography)

c. 1940  

etching 

11 7/8 x 9 7/8" platemark 

pencil, lower right 

edition 28 

pencil titled in lower center, stamp of the New York City WPA Art Project in lower right 

 

antique-white Rives wove 

published 

New York City WPA Art Project 

MOLE102 

$800.00 

A triumphant rooster stands over the downed form of an enemy, perhaps a rival cock looking to steal his hens. No matter what the narrative, Joseph Leboit captures the attitude of the notoriously arrogant animal in this humorous yet powerful modernist etching.

The name “rooster” originates in the United States, and comes from the term “roost,” to perch on something high, for sleep and for observation. They’re meant to guard the hens and chicks from hungry nocturnal prowlers, though they can often be as difficult and bullying as the predators themselves.

The rooster will sound his alarm call if predators are near and will attack other roosters that enter his territory. He will also crow at dawn to define his territory. The crowing habits of roosters depend upon their breed. Some breeds of roosters are also bred and used for the brutal "sport" of cockfighting.