Zittende muis 1917

In this delightful print from 1917, Julie de Graag captures a sitting mouse. The colour is muted - black, white and a tan colour, like coffee with too much milk. I can imagine de Graag carefully carving away at the block, a process of reduction and refinement. What was she thinking as she worked? Did she have a pet mouse, or was she interested in the way their forms fit into the rectangle? The mouse is rendered with such tenderness. I am drawn to how the shapes come together. The curve of the back, the tiny ear, the delicate paws. These elements, combined with the texture created by the printmaking process, convey a sense of vulnerability and charm. You can see the Art Nouveau influence, but there’s a humble simplicity here too. It’s funny how artists converse with each other across time. De Graag's little mouse reminds us that even the smallest of creatures can inspire great art.