Rat verschanst in etenswaar 1851 - 1862

Adolphe Mouilleron made this print called 'Rat verschanst in etenswaar' using etching, sometime in the mid-19th century. It shows a scene of decay, with a rat feasting on spoiled food, a still life composition with an unsettling twist. Made in the Netherlands during a time of significant social and economic change, we could see this as a reflection of anxieties around poverty, hygiene, and the unseen struggles of the urban poor. Dutch society was grappling with industrialization and urbanization, leading to overcrowded cities and increased social disparities, and we know that these conditions often led to public health issues. Prints like these are interesting because they can make pointed social commentaries. By showing the gritty side of life, Mouilleron may have been trying to provoke his viewers to reflect on the less palatable aspects of their society. Of course, the interpretation of any artwork requires a solid foundation of knowledge. By consulting historical documents, social surveys, and the records of public health initiatives, we can gain a better understanding of the world that Mouilleron was responding to.