Scènes met hond en ratten 1818 - 1876

Here is Carel Christiaan Antony Last’s ink drawing, depicting “Scènes met hond en ratten.” It is currently held in the Rijksmuseum. This piece opens a window into the complex relationships humans have with animals, especially during the 19th century. Last invites us to consider how these interactions are shaped by power, control, and our own emotional needs. The drawing reflects an era where social status and economic activities often intertwined with how animals were perceived, used and even displayed. Each scene, whether it's a dog tenderly held or rats being observed, prompts questions about the ethical boundaries of our interactions with other species. How do our perspectives influence their treatment and place in society? In its understated way, Last's work stirs a debate about our responsibilities toward creatures great and small, urging us to reflect on the narratives we construct around them.