Twee kinderen met een muizenval 1685 - 1705

Gijsbert Hol captured this scene of two children with a mousetrap in an undated print. The candle, a key element here, does more than illuminate; it symbolizes enlightenment, knowledge, and life itself, flickering against the darkness. This is a motif echoed through history. Consider its presence in religious art, where a candle or lamp often signifies divine presence or spiritual awakening. It's not just about visibility, but a deeper connection to understanding and truth. The children’s fascination with the trap introduces another layer: the cat and mouse game, the hunter and the hunted, themes that resonate with ancient myths and psychological dramas of control and vulnerability. Such symbols are never static. Their meanings evolve, shaped by cultural shifts and individual experiences, passed down through generations, and resurfacing unexpectedly.