De rat en de oester 1773

"De rat en de oester" (The Rat and the Oyster) is an etching by Dutch artist Reinier Vinkeles, created in 1773. This print is a beautiful example of the illustrative engraving style popular in the 18th century. The artwork depicts a dramatic landscape with a towering rock formation and a distant view of the sea. In the foreground, a rat is shown amidst several oysters, referencing a classic fable about greed and overreaching. The etching is housed in the Rijksmuseum, showcasing the artistry of Vinkeles and providing insight into the artistic trends of his time.