Fabel van de twee muizen 1567

Marcus Gheeraerts the Elder's "Fabel van de twee muizen" (1567) is a detailed etching that depicts two mice feasting on a piece of cheese in a dimly lit cellar. The scene, likely inspired by Aesop's fables, is a commentary on human greed and the fleeting nature of pleasure, as the mice are oblivious to the dangers around them. Gheeraerts, a renowned Flemish artist, captures the scene with meticulous detail, highlighting the textures of the barrels, the stonework, and the mice's fur. The use of chiaroscuro, the dramatic contrast of light and shadow, adds to the overall sense of mystery and intrigue. The etching's small size and intimate subject matter reflect its intended audience: collectors and connoisseurs of prints.