Twee figuren jagen op een rat in de voorraadkast 1802 - 1883

This etching by Ferdinand de Braekeleer, captures two figures in a pantry, hunting a rat. Rats, throughout history, have been more than mere pests; they are potent symbols, often linked to disease, decay, and societal disruption. Consider the medieval allegories of the "Dance of Death," where rats might be depicted gnawing at the feet of the deceased, serving as a stark reminder of mortality. These associations stretch back to ancient civilizations, echoing in our collective fears. Even now, the symbolic weight of the rat persists, subtly influencing our perception of environments and hygiene, triggering deep-seated anxieties about contamination. It is intriguing to consider the layers of meaning that such a commonplace creature can embody. It is this cyclical return of symbols that fascinates, revealing how deeply ingrained these images are in our cultural psyche.