Dode rat Possibly 1795

Jean Bernard made this drawing of a dead rat using pen and gray ink, sometime before his death in 1833. It offers us a glimpse into the world of scientific and artistic practices in the Netherlands during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The image itself, with its stark realism, speaks to the Enlightenment's emphasis on empirical observation and the study of the natural world. During this period, artists were often employed to create detailed illustrations for scientific publications, contributing to the growing body of knowledge about the world. In Dutch cities, the presence of rats was a growing problem, and studies of their biology and anatomy may have been of particular interest for public health initiatives. Drawings like this weren’t just about scientific accuracy; they reflect the broader cultural values of the time. By carefully studying these images and the historical context in which they were created, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between art, science, and society. Researching archives and scientific publications from the period can reveal much about the circumstances that led to the commissioning and creation of this work.