Avoiding Exploitation: Protecting Yourself And Your Wishes

Birds of Prey

The painting ‘Birds of Prey’ by Alexandre Struys was created in 1876 and depicts a man lying on his deathbed. At first glance it looks as though he is being cared for by those closest to him, but on closer inspection it can be seen that they are metaphorical birds of prey. One person appears to be distracting the dying man, whilst the other uses the man’s hand to sign over his worldly possessions to them. This exploitative act contradicts their supposedly sanctimonious nature. The painting was highly controversial at the time of its conception, having been deemed to undermine the church. It is said that the artist’s uncle inspired this painting, having been manipulated to sign over his own possessions.