The Dance of the Rats c. 1690

Ferdinand van Kessel painted The Dance of the Rats using oil on canvas. The smooth, light-reflecting qualities of the oil paint, applied in thin layers, enhance the realism of the scene. Van Kessel clearly understood the inherent qualities of his materials. He built up the forms of the rats with careful brushstrokes, creating a tangible sense of their fur and weight. The dark background, likely achieved by mixing pigments with oil, provides a stark contrast that brings the rats to life. Oil painting, with its capacity for layering and blending, was a well-established medium in the 17th century. Yet, van Kessel's choice to depict rats—creatures often associated with the lower classes—and to invest them with such detailed attention, challenges the typical hierarchy of subject matter. The sheer amount of work involved in achieving this level of detail suggests an interest in elevating the overlooked. Ultimately, The Dance of the Rats invites us to consider the value we place on different subjects and materials, questioning the traditional boundaries between high art and the everyday.