The Rat Catcher
1632
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
About the artist
1632
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Rat Catcher is a 1632 ink by Johannes van Vliet, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows a man carrying a basket full of rats on his back. His arms are outstretched, like he’s struggling under the weight. A cat sits in the basket, looking down at the rats, while another rat clings to the man’s hat. The title says it’s about catching rats, but the artist made it look like a heavy burden. The lines are rough and scratchy, giving it a raw, urgent feel. Want to see more? Check out etching to learn how artists like this made prints.
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