The Mousetrap c. 1655

Cornelis Visscher made this print called "The Mousetrap" sometime in the mid-17th century. The image depicts a young boy and girl captivated by a mousetrap illuminated by candlelight. Prints like this one circulated widely in the Netherlands during the Dutch Golden Age, a period of unprecedented economic prosperity. The rise of a wealthy middle class created a market for secular imagery, often with a moralizing message. Here, we see the vulnerability of the mouse as a warning about the dangers of temptation. The print may be a comment on the nature of desire, as the figures gaze intently at the trapped animal. The contrasts between light and shadow create a sense of drama, heightening the emotional impact of the scene. To better understand this work, it's helpful to consult period literature and popular proverbs. These sources reveal the cultural meanings associated with animals like mice. By studying this historical context, we can gain insight into the social function of art and how it reflected the values of its time.