Muis, schelp en distel c. 1910

"Muis, schelp en distel" (Mouse, Shell and Thistle) is a c. 1910 etching by Dutch artist Jan Mankes (1889-1920), known for his detailed and evocative depictions of nature. The print portrays a white mouse beside a shell draped in a thorny thistle, rendered in delicate lines and subtle tonal variations. The composition evokes a sense of quietude and the fragility of life, reflecting Mankes's artistic fascination with the natural world. The artwork is characterized by its meticulous detail, realistic portrayal, and melancholic mood, creating an intimate and captivating visual experience.