A Rat Seen in Profile 1685 - 1755

Count Giorgio Durante’s *A Rat Seen in Profile* is a meticulous pen and wash drawing of a rat, likely created between 1685 and 1755. This work is a detailed study of the animal, with Durante capturing the rat’s sleek fur and long tail with precise detail. The drawing exemplifies the artist’s keen observation of the natural world, a characteristic of 17th- and 18th-century animal studies, a genre that emphasized scientific accuracy and beauty in its portrayal of the animal kingdom. This particular drawing is a testament to Durante's artistry and offers viewers a glimpse into the world of naturalism and the art of close observation.