Rattengifverkoper c. 1774 - 1808

Johan Antoni Kauclitz Colizzi created this etching of a "Rat Poison Vendor" sometime in the late 18th century. The figure’s elaborate garb hints at the performative aspect of his trade, and we can imagine him peddling his wares in the streets, promising relief from the ubiquitous rodent problem. During this period, there was a growing awareness of public health issues, yet effective solutions were often lacking, particularly for those living in poverty. The rat poison vendor occupies a precarious position in society, offering a service born out of necessity amid squalor and unsanitary conditions. The rats crawling all over the vendor are perhaps a reflection of a world overrun with vermin, but also a subtle nod to the vendor's own lowly status. Colizzi invites us to reflect on the intersections of health, commerce, and social inequality. The etching captures a fleeting moment, yet it resonates with broader questions about who has access to well-being and the cost of survival in an unjust world.