The Dead Mouse c. 1790s

Editor: So, next up we have "The Dead Mouse" from around 1790 by Louis Léopold Boilly. What strikes me immediately is the almost theatrical nature of it; everyone is so… involved. What do you make of it? Curator: Theatrical, absolutely! It’s a glimpse into a very specific, staged domesticity. Notice the stark contrast – the seemingly distressed mother clutching the child, juxtaposed with the mischievous figure dangling the poor mouse. It's a play within a painting, isn’t it? Almost a baroque version of reality TV. Editor: I see what you mean! It's like everyone is performing their roles perfectly. Curator: Exactly! And who is the intended audience, do you think? Are we meant to sympathize, or maybe…laugh? Boilly excels at capturing fleeting expressions. This makes me wonder what else is being concealed within this home. There is a lot happening there, isn't it? Editor: Yes, there's the cat on the table too, looking upwards, is that part of the 'performance' too? Curator: Potentially. What if the cat is thinking: "This charade AGAIN?". Editor: Ha! That’s great. It all adds a certain complexity. I initially thought it was just a simple scene. Curator: But it isn't! It's so carefully constructed, so deliberately balanced… the light, the gazes, the dead mouse! Everything whispers a carefully constructed story. These little frozen moments allow you to appreciate his subtle touches. You could lose hours in there! What would you say is your takeaway from all that? Editor: I guess I'll be careful with first impressions. It is deeper than it looks on the surface! Thanks for that!