Muis luidt de doodsklok 1894

This line drawing, made by Willem Wenckebach, depicts a mouse ringing a death knell. But what does it mean to represent the natural order in such a way? Here, the mouse is elevated to a position usually reserved for humans, specifically those in charge of signalling death. In the Netherlands, where Wenckebach worked, there was a vibrant tradition of using animals to satirize human society. This image may be commenting on the social structures of its time, potentially critiquing the institutions of the church. Its dark humour is a striking example of the politics of imagery. Understanding this artwork requires us to consider the broader social and cultural context in which it was produced. Resources such as historical archives, literary texts, and studies of popular culture could provide valuable insights. Only by doing so can we fully appreciate the meaning of this artwork and its place within the social and institutional landscape of its time.