Taureau (Bull)

1947

Bull – Intensive Livestock Farming

In 1947, Luc Jaggi carved the sculpture Taureau (Bull) directly from gray Iragna granite from the Ticino region. It was originally placed at the entrance to the slaughterhouse in La Praille before being moved in 1997 to the grounds of the Geneva Museum of Natural History. The animal is depicted realistically; it is imposing and in motion, its head slightly tilted. Created for its original location, the sculpture invites us to reflect on our relationship with so-called livestock or farm animals, which are viewed and exploited in certain industries as mere “resources,” in addition to the pollution caused by intensive farming. Transposed into the park, the Taureau takes on a new meaning, shifting from a commodity and a symbol of animal exploitation to an embodiment of an individuality that is both animal and artistic, thus engaging in a dialogue with its new environment and the Museum.

Written by: Camille Thibaut