The rat catcher after 1632

This is an anonymous print called 'The Rat Catcher' held here at the Rijksmuseum. This intricate image offers a glimpse into the less visible corners of society. During periods of urbanization, rat catchers were crucial in controlling disease and maintaining public health. The print might be understood as a commentary on class and labor, where marginalized figures perform essential but often unacknowledged services. The rat catcher is depicted in great detail, with specific attention to his tools of the trade, implying a complex relationship with his work and the community he serves. The artist portrays this figure with dignity, perhaps challenging the viewer to reconsider their perceptions of worth and social standing. It invites reflection on who is valued, who is seen, and how labor shapes identity.