The Mousetrap c. 1655

"The Mousetrap" is an etching by Cornelis Visscher, a Dutch artist who lived from 1628 to 1658. This small-scale print, which is held by The Art Institute of Chicago, depicts two figures. One figure, a young man, holds a lit candle and points to a mousetrap, while the other figure, an older woman, looks on with a curious expression. The subject matter of the print, a common household item, speaks to the Dutch Golden Age's interest in realism and everyday life. This etching demonstrates the technical skill of Visscher, who is known for his nuanced rendering of light and shadow.